Robert William Smits

Robert "Bob" William Smits, passed from this life on Tuesday, May 21,2013 at his home in Anadarko, Oklahoma, with his wife and family by his side. He was born April 11, 1936 to Robert Paul and Ida Rose (Herriges) Smits in Rockford, Illinois. He attended Rockford High School. He was a veteran of the United States Navy. He was proud to be an American and served his country with great pride. He received a Honorable discharge. He met the love of his life, Kay Angeline Ahhaitty and ten days later on October 1, 1957, they were united in marriage in Charleston, South Carolina. This October they would have been marriage 56 years. Bob's greatest love was for his wife and family, he especially enjoyed his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He worked at Sunstrand Aviation for thirty plus years as a member of UAW Local Union 592. He was a excellent wood craftsmen, he was a farmer, he was a very hard worker, he was a devoted husband, dad, grandpa and great-grandpa and friend. He was a man of integrity. He volunteered for meals on wheels for several years. Member of the American Legion, while Volunteering at Physicians Hospital in Anadarko, he was called "The Blue Dude". He and Kay owned and operated the Anadarko Hotel LLP for seven years. He was very active as a Deacon in both Saint Patrick's Catholic Church in Anadarko, Oklahoma and Saint Mary's Catholic Church in Byron, Illinois, being a 4th degree Knight of Columbus, Dist. Deputy. He was a past Faithful Navigator-4th degree, Bishop Muldun Assembly and Police Chaplain Ogle Co, He was know as" Deacon Bob" by all his friends. He did a lot of Volunteer work his entire life. He touched many lives while on this earth and will be greatly missed by his beloved dog "BUD" and all who knew and loved him. He is survived by his wife, Kay of the home. Three sons, Roger Smits and wife Laurie of Rockford, Illinois, Mandel Smits of Sturgis, South Dakota, Richard Smits and wife Yvonnie of Dixon, Illinois. Three daughters, Alisa Wedig of Anadarko, Oklahoma, Kimberly Thrasher of Rockford, Illinois, Genevieve Wurster and husband John of Stillman Valley, Illinois, One brother, Don Smits and companion, Jane of Las Vegas, Nevada. One sister, Constance Dawson and husband Lehman of Sherman, Texas. Fourteen grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and other relatives. He was preceded in death by his parents, two sons, Ronald and Robert Smits, a grandson Justin Swanson and a brother, William Smits. A special thanks to our sister, Alisa for the special care for our Dad and Ross Hospice. A Rosary is scheduled for Thursday, 7:00 P. M. at Smith Funeral Chapel with Father Joseph Schwarz officiating under the direction of Smith Funeral Home in Anadarko, Oklahoma. Funeral and Burial arrangements by Farrell Holland-Gale Funeral Home in Byron, Illinois next week.

Robert William Smits

April 11, 1936 - May 21, 2013

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