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Richard Smith Obituary
Richard "Dick" Smith of Lafayette, IN, passed away on Friday, August 23, at his home on Newcastle Road.
Born on October 5, 1918, to the late Harry O. and Blanch M. (Rodgers) Smith in West Lafayette, IN.
Richard graduated from West Lafayette High School and Purdue University School of Engineering through the ROTC program. During World War II, he served as First Lieutenant in the Burma Campaign, supporting construction of the Ledo Road. After the war he attended Lafayette Business College, then worked as an accountant for Gleason Pie Company of Lafayette. Within the next few years, he attended "farm school," sponsored by the G.I. benefit program, then decided on a career as a farmer.
He married Marilou Wray on July 4, 1948, in Twelve Mile, IN. She survives.
Richard farmed most of his life in Sheffield Township of Tippecanoe County. Additionally, he worked at Alcoa's Lafayette Plant for several years and drove a school bus for Tippecanoe School Corporation (was known as "Smitty"). In his leisure he engaged in woodworking, making tables, quilt racks and many other items. He also enjoyed lapidary work, cutting and polishing stones to make beautiful rings and bolos. He gave all of his creations away to family and friends. Richard was also a member of Dayton United Methodist Church.
Surviving with his wife of 65 years are four daughters: Becky Smith, Nancy Miller (James), Kathleen Smith (Hubert), and Krista Jessee (Kenny). Surviving grandchildren include: Matthew Carlton (Carrie), Tekoa Geswein (Spencer), Steve Allen, David Allen (Melissa), Lea Lynch (Nate), Robert Zimmer, and Adam Miller (Kelly), and two step-grandchildren: Kenneth "Chip" Jessee, and Jennifer Williams (Aaron). He is also survived by 10 great grandchildren, 2 step great grandchildren, as well as by his twin brother, Robert W. Smith, of Darlington, IN.
Richard was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, James H. Smith of Hattiesburg MS; and a grandson, Austin Miller, of Lafayette, IN.
The family would like to express our sincere gratitude to all the caregivers for their assistance that made it possible for Richard to remain at home on Black Walnut Farm during the last months of his life.
Visitation will be 1 hour prior to a 2 PM service on Tuesday at Soller-Baker Lafayette Chapel, 400 Twyckenham Blvd. Burial will be at Wyandotte Cemetery. Sign the guest book and leave memories at www.soller-baker.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Richard Smith
Anna and Bill Kennedy
August 29, 2013
Nancy and Beckie, I am so sorry to hear of the passing of your father. Bill and I missed the notice or we would have made our condolences on Tuesday. God bless your family.
Jim and Ruth Potter
August 29, 2013
Marylou, we want to extend our condolences to you and your family. We just learned of Dick's passing too late for the visitation. We pray for God's peace for you in the coming days!
Abby Pendleton
August 27, 2013
My condolences to the entire family. I'll remember his wit and sarcasm the most. ;)
August 27, 2013
Dear Marylou: Bea and I are so sorry about your loss and for us another friend and neighbor from Heartland. He was an incredible man with an incredible zest for life. Don and Bea Clark
August 27, 2013
Hello Marylou...We're sorrored to hear od Dicks passing!!! We certainly will miss another Hrartland Friend....We hope to see you there in the future!!!! --- Neighbors in # 105 Bob & Lois Hooper
James Wagstaffe
August 27, 2013
Susan & I would like to express our condolences to Marilou and Family on the loss of her husband and Father. We got to know both from Haines City Florida where we wintered and become friends.
Jack Lahrman
August 27, 2013
He was a great gentle man. We met one day when he needed some help with harvest. And then he offered to allow me to farm the land..I enjoyed those years, the opportunity they gave me, and the many visit's with Dick and Marilou....
Susan Durnil
August 26, 2013
Deepest sympathies to Becky and Robert, and the rest of the family. I know he's left a hole that can't be filled.
Greg and Pat Bierck
August 26, 2013
We did not know the Smith's very well, having only met them once during a nice visit when we moved into the area a couple of years ago. My wife Pat and I felt immediately welcome to the Black Walnut Farm area by the Smith's. God speed "Smitty" and our condolences to you Marilou, your family and friends.
Jeanne Bisbano
August 26, 2013
As friends of Becky, it was our pleasure to meet Mr. Smith some decades ago while he was visiting California. My husband, Jack Hargate, and I wish to convey our deepest sympathies to Becky, Robert and all the family. May he live on forever in your hearts.
Julie Price Sidhu
August 26, 2013
Thank you "Smitty" for providing many memories for me from my childhood. He was the best bus driver. I rode his bus and from kindergarten through junior high along with his daughter Cathy who also drove the bus and she was a great driver too. I credit Smitty with my knowledge of all of the songs from the 60s and 70s as he would play the best radio stations-and with a 45 minute bus ride each way twice a day- you can imagine all of the songs we memorized. Smitty was always kind and fair to all of us. He would not tolerate bad behavior and we felt safe. I will always remember Smitty. RIP. Im glad he lived a good long life. My sympathy to the family.
August 26, 2013
Thanks to Mr. Smith for serving his country and helping to protect our freedom. Sincere sympathy to family and friends.
RIP, Richard.
Eileen Steele
August 25, 2013
My sincere sympathy to the entire extended Smith family at the loss of your husband, dad, brother, grand-dad, and great grand-dad. May his memories warm your heart and bring smiles of gratefulness in recognizing his influences in your lives.
August 25, 2013
My thoughts are prayers are with you all during this difficult time. I will cherish the memory of Dick's contagious smile forever.
Howard & Carol Davis
August 24, 2013
Marilou and family
Please accept our deepest sympathy. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your families.
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Soller-Baker Funeral Homes, Inc. – Lafayette Chapel400 Twyckenham Blvd., Lafayette, IN 47909-7113
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