Robert “Bob” Landis Smith, of Tawas City, formerly of East Tawas and Glennie, passed away on Tuesday, January 17, 2023 at the Villa of Rose City, age 81.
Bob was born at his family home in Glennie on July 17, 1941 to the late Robert L. Smith and Bernadine M. Schlink. He attended Hale High School up to the 12th grade and soon after he went to begin his long working career. Over the years of Bob’s career, he was employed by the U.S. Forestry, Tawas Industries, and McDonald’s. In 2003, Bob was afforded the opportunity to finally step away from the working world and begin to enjoy his well-deserved retirement!
His family and friends will always remember his passion for playing Bingo and watching his favorite baseball team, the Detroit Tigers! Bob played for a long time on local bowling leagues. He was a long time member of the Tawas Eagles and the Tawas Braves Booster Club and a faithful member of Zion Lutheran Church. Bob’s legacy will be cherished forever by all his family and friends who knew and loved him.
Surviving children are Kimberly (Allen) Miller of Tawas City, Karry (Scott) McClellan of Tawas City, and Kevin Smith of East Tawas; 3 grandchildren, Christina (Frank) Sena of Tawas City, Nathan (Ashley) Miller of Tawas City, and Samantha Smith of Canton, North Carolina; 5 great-grandchildren, Ariana Sena, Kennedy Baldwin, Frankie Sena, Nova Miller, and Clay Miller; 1 brother, Jeff Schlink of Montana; 2 sister-in-law’s, Linda Perkins of Pinconning, Michigan, and Bonney Cooper of Clarksville, Tennessee; numerous nieces and nephews, cousins and dear friends. Bob is preceded in death by his parents, Robert Smith and Bernadine Schlink, his wife, Judi (Dorey) Smith to whom he married on November 4, 1961. Bob and Judi celebrated 39 beautiful years of marriage until her passing in May of 2001. Also preceding Bob in death are his infant son, Randy Smith; sister, Mary Link; and brother, Richard Schlink.
Cremation will take place and a funeral service is scheduled for Friday, January 27, 2023 at 11:00 AM at Zion Lutheran Church in Tawas City with Pastor Gabriel Martin officiating. Bob’s family will welcome friends at the church for a time of gathering from 10:00 AM until 11:00 AM. Bob will be laid to rest in the Wilber Township Cemetery next to his wife and infant son in the summer of 2023.
Those wishing to express their condolences through a memorial contribution are encouraged to consider a donation to either the Iosco County Animal Humane Society, the Zion Lutheran Church Youth Group, or Compassus Hospice of West Branch. An online guest registry is available to leave a message of love and support for Bob’s family at www.bureshfuneralhomes.com.
