Robert D. (Bob) Smith
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Robert D. Smith (Bob) went to be with our Lord and Savior on July 14, 2023. He was born on September 12, 1940, to Eldon and Inez Smith of Lawrence KS. He is survived by his son Martin P. Smith (Martha Proctor, fiancé), grandsons Cody & Christian Smith, all from Lawrence. Tom Demuth (nephew) and family from Edmond, Oklahoma and GayLynn McRay (niece) and family of Chickasha, Oklahoma. And many more family members in California.
He was preceded in death by his wife Nancy Smith (51 years); parents; Eldon and Inez Smith;in-laws Ivan and Lenore Shull; sister Nancy Demuth.
Bob was a motorcycle mechanic in Lawrence for over 40 years, some say he was the best this side of the Mississippi. He worked for Miles Motorcycles, Lawrence Yamaha, New Horizons and finally to Bob’s Cycle Shop to start his own business next to Moon’s Radiator in North Lawrence. He retired from motorcycles.
After his retirement from motorcycles, he worked at KU Preventive Maintenance for 12 years and retired from KU. His good friend Alan Pryor got him a job at Comanche Construction driving a truck that sand blasted bridges and retired. Finally, he was a school bus driver for First Student.
Bob had a passion for helping others, riding motorcycles and building hot rods. He restored a 1940 Ford Pickup, 1939 Cadillac limo and a 1939 Pontiac, He loved going to motorcycle races and car shows with all his friends who he had a lot of. He was a member of the River City Cruisers. Bob was blessed with a talent to fix anything, they called him Mr. Fix it. His passion for helping others made him who he was.
Bob was an avid sports fan, Royals, KC Chiefs and KU football and basketball.
The family would like to say thank you to Ascend Hospice and Arbor Court for the amazing care for Bob.
Memorial services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, July 24, 2023 at Warren-McElwain Mortuary in Lawrence. The family will greet friends from 6-8 p.m. on Sunday, July 23, 2023 at the mortuary.
Memorial contributions may be made to River City Cruisers and may be sent in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary 120 W. 13th St. Lawrence, KS 66044
We loved Bob. He was always ready to help anyone. I will miss him terribly!
I’m so sorry for your loss! What a great guy! Thoughts and prayers to his family!
Am so sorry to hear of your loss. He was a wonderful guy. His mind was always going, such wonderful memories & fun with Bob & Nancy. Thoughts & prayers for the family!
The world lost a mity dood man and a better friend.RIP ole friend.
Sorry for your loss! Bob was a great guy and enjoyed visiting him at the carshows. He will be missed! Praying for family.
The best west of the Mississippi ? Well, I would have gone farther East with that assessment myself… I was going to say the Best period. He performed major Surgery on my 750 back in the Very early 70’s , I NEVER REGRETTED that choice… After that ordeal I found out that Nancy worked out @ HALLMARK where we worked also… A few short short years later @ WHEELSPORT MOTORCYCLE CLUB we all got to mingle even more , They both were great folks …
To the family, So sorry for your loss… Dave & Jean Affalter
Sorry for your loss. Bob was a good individual. Prayers for his family
Bob will be greatly missed by his Arbor Court family.
So Sorry to hear of Bob’s Passing, I met him and Nancy, when I joined the wheel sports motorcycle riders group (lawrence ks) he was kind, funny, and truly a nice guy, and yes the best motorcycle mechanic. Thoughts and Prayers to his Family & Friends.
Marty, So sorry to hear of your dad’s passing. He and your mom were great people.
I’m sorry for your loss, Marty. I’m grateful I got to meet him. I wished I’d known both your parents. They had reason to be proud of you. You sure showed your tender care in his last days. With deep respect.
So very sorry for your loss may God Speed, you and your family to be at peace at the loss of the one you love.
Marty, Your dad’s passing has rekindled many fond memories of the 1980’s and 90’s. Bob and Nanci were so much fun to be around! I will forever treasure all the friends that Jerry introduced me to at Lawrence Yamaha. My deepest sympathy to you and your family. I will keep you all in my prayers.
Marty. I loved your Mom and Dad. We had so much fun together at the lakes. We all were family not just friends. So sorry but I will only be a phone call away if you ever want to talk. Love you so much Son.