Robert Edward Smith was born December 14, 1958, in New Edinburg, Arkansas to the union of Lee Edward and Gloria Jean Smith.  He was preceded in death by his mother, Gloria Jean Smith and his youngest sister, Sonya Sue Smith.

Robert graduated from Paseo High School in 1978.  After graduating he attended Manual Career Tech., where he pursued the trade in diesel mechanic.  Not satisfied with working on trucks, he preferred to drive the trucks instead, which was his childhood dream.  This led him to find employment at Coke Cola for 11 years.  From there he found employment at McClane Food Service, where he retired after 25 years of service.

On April 30, 1994, Robert married the love of his life Antonia Smith.  They spent 35 wonderful years together.

Robert enjoyed Roller Skating, bowling, watching sports, and Cowboy and action movies.  He was known as a very loving, respectable and heartwarming person.  No one was a stranger to Robert. He had the goofiest personality and could make anybody crack a smile and laugh.

Robert E. Smith passed away on Friday, January 14, 2022, at The University of Kansas Health Center in Kansas City, KS.

He is survived by: his loving wife, Antonia "Toni" Smith; daughters, Shayla and Shyneice; two grandchildren, Eric and Erishawna Taylor; father, Lee Edward Smith; brother, Lee Anthony Smith; sister, Ruthie Jean Purdie; niece, Essance Smith and a host of other relatives and friends.

Services for Mr. Smith will be held 4:00 P.M. Saturday, January 22, 2022, at E. S. Eley &Sons Funeral Chapel.  Private Disposition.  Friends may call from 3:00 P.M. until service time Saturday at the chapel.

Thoughtful care and services provided by E. S. Eley & Sons Funeral Chapel, Inc.