Robert Louis Smith's Obituary
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 Kenneth Lee Smith and Ruby Irene Jordan Smith. He married Patricia Paulette Spanbauer on June 19, 1965.
Bob graduated from Stephen Decatur H.S. in 1961and worked as a union electrician with the IBEW Local 146 in Decatur for over 50 years till his retirement in order to take care of his wife. He was a staunch union supporter. He taught welding at the IBEW for 22 years and was the No. 2 welder during the construction of the Clinton Nuclear Power Plant. He was a member of the Illinois Nat’l Guard from 1964-1970. He was an avid fisherman, a devoted Cub fan, and a member of Ss. James and Patrick Parish in Decatur. He loved to sing and operated Laser DJ & Karaoke for many years. Bob loved his dogs Chipper and Pepper and a feral cat named Simba. He volunteered at both of the local hospitals and painted as a hobby.
Surviving are his children Rodney L. Smith (Claudia) of Mattoon; Mark D. Smith of Decatur; and grandchildren Alexandra, Ian and Devin, and friend Pam Connor. He was preceded in death by his wife Patricia, his parents, brother Ralph, and sister Patricia Swearingen.
The family very much thanks the wonderful staff at the Eastern Star Home of Macon, friend Pam Connor, nephew Rick Swearingen and neighbor Bob Grider for their help and service. Memorials can be made to Eastern Star Home of Macon or Ss. James and Patrick Parish of Decatur.
Visitation for Robert will be from 3pm to 5pm on Saturday, February 28, at Moran & Goebel Funeral Home. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10am on Monday, March 2, at St. Patrick Church in Decatur. Burial in Macon County Memorial Park will follow the Mass. Condolences may be shared with the family at https://www.moranandgoebel.com.
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