Robert Smith

ROBERT SMITH

LIMA — Robert E. Smith, 85 of Shawnee Township in Lima, died in his home at approximately 2:00 p.m. on July 20, 2015.

He was born December 10, 1929 in Douglas, Arizona, the son of Lillian B. Castellaw and Ralph M. Smith who preceded him in death. On September 5, 1954, he married Wanda M. Smith, the love of his life and wife of 60 years and who preceded him in death last December.

Other survivors include his daughter Karen (Myron) Terlecky, his son Randy (Anita) Smith; his granddaughters Sara (Chris) Barrett, Teresa (Brandon) Autrey, Kate Terlecky, Jen (Derek) Kaverman, Carrie Terlecky, Sol Fabbro, Liz Smith and Stephie Smith; his great-grandchildren, Preston Barrett, Addie Green and Gabriella Barrett. He is also survived by his sister-in-laws, Alberta Fulkerson and Florence (Kenneth) Whisman, his brother-in-law Roy (Mary Ann) Wallace, and many nephews and nieces.

His brother, Milton, who also preceded him, died serving his country in Iwo Jima in World War II.

Like his wife Wanda, Bob's most treasured accomplishment was his family. He was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandpa, great-grandpa and uncle to a large family. He loved family events, vacations and holidays. Thanksgiving was his favorite holiday when his entire family gathered around the table giving thanks for each other and all of their blessings. He was so proud of all 8 of his granddaughters, each of whom has a caring, compassionate and determined spirit, acquired from him and his wife Wanda. He had many friends throughout his life but most have passed over the years. But he leaves behind his golfing buddy of over 6 decades, Mr. Gasperetti, long time work colleagues and close friends Mr. Fear and Mr. and Mrs. Murphy, and Jackie, a dear friend, all of whom played a special role in his life. All of Bob's neighbors were great friends and very special to both him and his wife, Wanda, bringing meals, checking on them regularly and providing caring friendship.

Bob had a distinguished career in engineering with an undergraduate degree from the University of Arizona and masters degree from the University of Pittsburgh. He spent his entire professional career working at the Westinghouse Aeronautics Division in Lima, Ohio where he had numerous accomplishments throughout his career. During his career, he led teams who designed many electrical generators for various military and commercial aircraft but perhaps most notably was his design of the first brushless generator used on the Boeing 707 Jetliner. He was loved by all of his colleagues, coworkers and employees at Westinghouse.

Bob loved to fish, hunt and travel to faraway places like Alaska and Hawaii. He loved the outdoors and was an avid gardener who maintained a beautifully, manicured lawn and garden until the very end. He also loved to golf and for years studied and analyzed the swing impact dynamics of golf irons of every major golf club manufacturer in the world. After trying for years to secure meetings with all of these manufacturers, his dream was finally realized earlier this month when he presented his findings and design recommendations to senior executives at Callaway Golf who were thoroughly impressed.

Bob also did a lot for his community serving as a loaned executive to the local United Way chapter and then as The Pacesetter Chairman for all of Allen County. He also served as Foreman of the Grand Jury for several months and volunteered with his wife to serve the less fortunate in many different ways.

Friends and family may call Thursday, July 23, 2015 from 4:00 to 7:00 pm at Chiles Laman Funeral and Cremation Services - Shawnee Chapel.

A Memorial Service will immediately follow, also at the Chiles Laman Shawnee Chapel.

Memorial Contributions will be used to continue to fund a scholarship for a nursing student at Apollo Career Center that he, his children and his grandchildren set up in his wife Wanda's name, when she passed this past December.

Condolences may be expressed at chiles-lamanfh.com.