Robert L. Smith

Robert L. Smith, Sr., age 84, of Piqua, Kansas, passed away on Tuesday, January 10, 2017 at the Allen County Regional Hospital. Robert was the first of three children born to Leo and Tillie (Hasstedt) Smith. He was born on April 14, 1932 near Neosho Falls, Kansas. He grew up on a farm west of Piqua, Kansas and he was a lifelong resident of the Piqua community. Robert served in the National Guard of Kansas from 1951 to 1954. He married Ilene Patton on February 8, 1956 in Chanute, Kansas. Five children were born to this union. They were later divorced. Robert was a lifelong farmer, raising hogs and cattle, and operating his ag lime business. He was especially proud of his two cylinder John Deere tractors. In addition to the farm, Robert also worked at Nelson Quarries for a number of years before going to work at Gates Rubber in Iola in 1976 when the plant opened, working there until his retirement. He was lifelong member of St. Martin's Church, Piqua and then of St. John's Church, Iola. Robert was preceded in death by his parents; infant son, Keith Brian Smith in 1968; two grandsons, Joshua Leo Smith and Jacob Brian Smith in 2009; brother, Larry Smith in 1980, and his sister, Dolores Wilson in 2012. He is survived by two sons, Bobby Smith and wife, Denise of Piqua, Kansas, and Joseph Smith of Iola, Kansas; two daughters, Marsha Ring of Missouri, and Rebecca Aguirre and husband, Sam of Piqua, Kansas; eight grandchildren, including, Ashley Meyer and husband, Jason of Hartford, Kansas, and Jessica Smith and fiancé, Seth Davis of Yates Center, Kansas; and several great-grandchildren. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 AM, Monday, January 16, 2017, at St. Martin's Catholic Church, Piqua following a Parish Rosary at 10:00 AM. The family will greet friends from 5:00–7:00 PM, Sunday, January 15, 2017, at Feuerborn Family Funeral Service, Iola. Memorial contributions may be made to the St. Martin's Cemetery Fund or to the Robert L. Smith Sr. Memorial Fund. Condolences may be left at www.feuerbornfuneral.com .