Robert J. Smith, age 79, of Byron Center, passed away on Friday, August 9, 2019, with his wife by his side, and is now at home with his Lord and Savior. He will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 61 years, Joyce Marie Smith; daughters, Starlene (Steve) Palasek, Tina (John) Pape; son, Robert J. (Michelle) Smith Jr.; grandchildren, Steven (Rachel), Daniel (Jess), D.J. (Allie), Tanya, Shelbi, Savahanna; great grandchildren, Austyn, Brooke, Thayne; sister, Alice (Howard) Perrin; brother, Carl (Marty) Smith; many nieces and nephews. Bob loved working on cars, especially his ‘46 Ford convertible. He retired from Steelcase after 28 years. Bob proudly served his country in the United States Marines during the Vietnam era. His family would like to thank the staff at Byron Manor and Kindred Care Hospice for their fabulous care and support. Funeral services will be held at 12 pm on Tuesday, August 13, 2019 at Resurrection Life Church, (please use entrance E or H), 5100 Ivanrest SW, Grandville. Relatives and friends may meet the family Monday from 6-8 pm at Matthysse-Kuiper-DeGraaf Funeral Home, 4145 Chicago Dr SW, Grandville, MI, and from 11 to 11:45am at church on Tuesday. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.
Leave Your Tribute Message
August 11, 2019 4:51pm
Joyce, so sorry to hear of Bob's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. God bless!
Deb and Doug (Deb Van Essen)
- Deb and Doug Grandon (Deb Van Essen)
August 11, 2019 3:33pm
Dear Aunt Joyce, Star and Steve, Tina and John, Bobbie and Michelle. We are so sorry for your loss. We will miss Uncle Bob's big smile and kind heart. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Love Rob and Shari
- Shari DeBoer
August 11, 2019 11:51am
Just heard of Bob's passing. We send our condolences to the whole family. We'll always remember him as a great neighbor, Cub Scout Webelos leader, and, of course, a "Car Nut".
Mike and Susan Jones
- Michael Jones
August 11, 2019 10:19am
Love to you and your family! Your are in our thoughts and prayers!
- Mike & Deb Knittle
August 11, 2019 5:29am
Dear Joyce, Star, Tina and Bob,
It was an honor and a joy to be part of Bob’s care and to get to know you as a family. I know you will miss him dearly. May you know God's comfort and peace in the days to come. God bless you all.
Mary Vaccaro
- Mary Vaccaro
August 10, 2019 12:38pm
Deepest love and sympathies to you Joyce and your sweet family. Though we did not have the same earthly parents we do share the joy of our heavenly Father through his Son Jesus and because of his great love we have the promise of being joined again in the glories of eternity in heaven where Bob has gotten a head start Love yo sister and will be think about you Tuesday during service time.
- Pastor James Blue
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