Birth date: Mar 31, 1943 Death date: Feb 23, 2026
Robert Louis Smith, 82, of Decatur, Illinois, passed away peacefully on Monday, February 23, 2026, at the Eastern Star Home in Macon, Illinois, with his family present. Robert “Bob” was born on March 31, 1943, in Decatur, to Kenne Read Obituary
I'm very sorry for your loss. Bob was our welding instructor during my apprenticeship. He was a great welder, and instructor. He made the class fun with his stories about the past. I also worked along side him on several jobs over the years. He was always fun to work with. Bob was a hard worker who took electrical work seriously while still making work fun. He will most definitely be missed.
My sincere condolences to Rodney and Mark's families. I have always liked him because he would talk to me and encourage me to sing his Karaoke songs. I couldn't do them, but it was the love I received from Bob that made me feel I could try something safe. He was always that way with me. I will not forget this. May the good Lord keep and bless him on his journey to heaven. Cousinly yours, Ginny Spanbauer Furman
I remember him as an all-American father who loved fishing and into metal and electric construction. He also was a good bowler with his league team as well. Bob shared a great deal of his family history and genealogy to me. I remember the last time I saw him was during the Spanbauer family reunion in Mattoon, Illinois in 2015. We had a great conversation with his grandchildren, Ian and Devin and his son Mark and Bob treated all of us with delicious hamburgers and shakes at the Steak n' Shake restaurant. Thank you, Bob... you were a good man with a great heart which everyone will miss you. Now he is reunited with Patty and his other relatives for all eternity.
Mary and I have many fond memories with Bob, Patti and the boys ! Working with Bob for the St. Patrick Athletic Association and the yearly rose campaign was always a joy. Our families thoughts and prayers are with you. Mary and Jerry Kieffer
