Robert Charles Smith, 79, of Fairburn, SD, passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his family on June 8, 2010. Bob was born May 24, 1931, in Edgemont, SD, to Charles and Mary (Meier) Smith. He attended primary school in Ardmore, SD, and lived on Hat Creek until 1947, when the family moved to Cody, WY. He graduated from high school in Cody in 1950, and married Clara Ilene Lindsay on October 31, 1951, in Cody, WY. Bob enlisted in the U.S. Army on February 2, 1952, proudly serving his country for 27 years and earning rank as an E7 First Class Sergeant. Bob's military career spans nearly three-decades and includes service in the Korean War, and two terms in the Vietnam War, receiving the Bronze Star for his service during his second term. Bob's military commendations include Combat Infantryman Badge, Korean Service Medal, Presidential unit Citation, National Defense Service Medal, Six Overseas Bars, and Good Conduct Medal.

Bob and his family were stationed in Fort Wainwright in Fairbanks, AK; Fort Riley, Kansas; Fort Leonard Wood, MO; Ottumwa, IA; Fort Hood, TX; Fort Lewis, WA; and two tours in Germany. Upon his retirement from the U.S. Army in 1977, the family resided in Edgemont, SD, until 2004. During his longstanding military career, Bob and his wife welcomed five adopted children and six foster children to their already busy home of two daughters. The family took many camping trips, and traveled throughout the country whenever possible. Bob loved to ranch and was a cowboy whom many ranchers looked up to, working several ranches in the Edgemont area. He shared his love of rodeo with his children and grandchildren. Both his army boots and cowboy boots will be forever filled with his honor and loyalty, hard work, integrity, strong work ethic, and genuine love and compassion he instilled in his children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and many more generations to come.

Bob and his wife retired in Fairburn, SD, in 2004, to a little place where they could watch their garden and grandchildren grow. Bob was a very strong family man who took great pride in being a grandpa. Survivors include his wife, Clara, married for over 58 years; three sons and four daughters: Samuel Robert (Collette) Smith, Fairbanks, AK; Jon Charles Smith, Vermillion, SD; Justin Paul Umphress, Ottumwa, IA; Penny Mae (Colin T.) Miller, Bernie, MO; Dawn Jean (Bobby) Gore, Minneola, TX; Crystal Renae (Shawn) Hunsaker, Fairburn, SD; and Starla Faith (Lance) Russell, Hot Springs, SD; 18 grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm, Sunday, June 13, 2010, at McColley's Chapel of the Hills in Hot Springs. Services will be at 10:00 am, Monday, June 14, 2010, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Ladder Day Saints in Hot Springs, with President Lonnie Dunn presiding, and Bill Daybreast officiating. A private burial will be at Black Hills National Cemetery.



In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to the Disabled American Veterans Association.

Arrangements have been placed in the care of McColley's Chapel of the Hills in Hot Springs. Written condolences can be made at www.mccolleyschapels.com.