Dr. Robert Darrow Smith

1951 - 2011

Dr. Robert  Darrow Smith obituary, 1951-2011, Wichita, KS

Dr. Robert Darrow Smith

1951 - 2011

BORN

1951

DIED

2011

Robert Smith Obituary

Visit the Legacy Remembers website to view the full obituary.
Smith, Dr. Robert D., 59, met his Heavenly Father on July 8, 2011 after bravely battling two years of treatment for non-smoker's lung cancer while still maintaining a full-time orthodontic practice. Bob was born in Kansas City, Mo., on November 6, 1951 to DH and Patricia Smith. He leaves behind his wife, Roxie, son Dr. Brian Smith (Emily), his daughter Abby Andrus (Adam), his mother Patricia, and sister Patsy May (Dr. David). Bob received his dental degree from UMKC School of Dentistry in 1977 and completed his orthodontic residency and Masters degree in 1979. Bob has spent the past 30 years in the practice of orthodontic in Wichita. He has served thousands of patients. In addition, Bob has had the distinct privilege of being one of three founding board members of Trinity Academy High School-a Wichita high school dedicated to providing Christ-centered education to its students. He has served on the board for World Impact, Wichita, where he started a dental clinic to provide preventative care for the urban poor. Wichita dentists also volunteered in this endeavor. Under his direction, the formation of Boy Scout Troop 524 at Eastminster Church was established with Godly principals to provide solid ground in preparing young men to serve God and Country. The troop has produced 68 Eagle Scouts. Dr. Brian Smith, Bob's son, was the first Eagle Scout to be recognized from Troop 524. Dr. Bob has also served as an elder for Eastminster Presbyterian Church. By the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the expert professional care of his physicians and the Kansas Cancer Center Team, Dr. Bob and Dr. Brian were able to realize their life-long dream to practice the profession of orthodontics together. Dr. Brian Smith graduated from his orthodontic residency program on July 7, 2011. Dr. Bob Smith went to meet his Lord on July 8, 2011. It is with gratitude that Dr. Brian Smith and family recognizes the staff of Smith Orthodontics as they have courageously walked this cancer journey with Dr. Bob. They are to be commended for their loving care and concern for their doctor, and their professional service to the patients of the orthodontic practice.

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January 5, 2012

SHELLY MAULDIN posted to the memorial.

January 1, 2012

Kathy Thompson posted to the memorial.

November 5, 2011

Jan Hildebrnad posted to the memorial.

SHELLY MAULDIN

January 5, 2012

My daughter & I were very saddened hearing of Dr Smith's passing. I was a patient 20 years ago and my daughter was a patient 10 years ago. We think of him & his wonder staff every time we smile. He was truly a professional.
God Bless. Shelly & Milissa Mauldin

Kathy Thompson

January 1, 2012

Roxie and family, Ted & I just learned of Bob's death.We have been out of touch with Wichita since we moved to Hot Springs , Ar. six years ago. We were so shocked when Sarah called with the news. Sarah has a beautiful smile and it is an example of Bob's fine work. He was a genuinely kind and caring person. He led by example of what a Christian life was all about. He was just on loan from God that is for sure! We were blessed to have known him.
Fondly,
Kathy & Ted Thompson

Jan Hildebrnad

November 5, 2011

Roxie...Please accept my thoughts and prayers...your Mom just told me that Bob had passed at Mom's funeral...I think of you and the fun times we had in our childhood. Your strong faith in the Lord will carry you and your family to a future without sorrow. Fondly Jan (Frees) Hildebrand.

Jack and Carol Okerstrom

November 4, 2011

Roxie and family,
I have just now learned of Bob's passing. I am very sorry to not have been there for support during the past two years. Bob and you were always so kind and generous to me during our early years together. Carol and I wish you peace in your heart knowing that Bob was a true servant of the Lord.

August 31, 2011

Dr Smith did my sons work in 1995 right before I broke my neck falling over my wheel barrow. He sent me flowers when I was in OLOLRH. What a nice, honest and kind man. we chose his services because of his personal character. I just learned of his death and I am deeply saddend of the news. Our son, now Dr. Vince Paul, Radiology is a Captain in the US Army and lives for the next 3 yrs in Landsthul Germany. Dr Smith cared for our son and I assume all of his patients.. My Thoughts and Prayers go out to his family!

Jim Paul

David Nyakundi

July 27, 2011

I just learnt today of the loss of this amazing and a true servant. Dr Smith gave me a winning smile through his great work. Sorry to his family and his staff. May you all have the energy to continue with his work.

Dennis & Rita Sommers

July 19, 2011

Roxie, Please know that we are thinking of you and your family now. We wish we might be closer to be better comfort providers for you. Bob was always so kind to me personally and all around him. He was a man and an orthodontist we could all wish to emulate. Our hearts ache along with yours. We will continue to hold you up in prayer.

Della, Lance, Deanne, Karen, Susan, Jane Lickteig

July 19, 2011

It was a 27 yr friendship that began with a correction of my own smile and then the corrections of the smiles of my beautiful four daughters. We are part of the 8000 smile club, and proud to be showing off your artwork everytime we smile. God has a plan we will never quite grasp. He gives and he takes, and he knows why he chooses when. You did so much here and we will miss your own smile.

Claire Burford

July 18, 2011

I went to Dr Smith as a teenager for my braces and have never forgotten him. What a wonderful Christian man and what a wonderful legacy he has left behind! May God bless and comfort you all.

Jan Stuhlsatz

July 18, 2011

Dr. Smith did my orthodontic work many years ago. He just finished my daughters orthodontics a year and a half ago. He was a wonderful man and dentist. The community lost an A+ member! Sorry for your loss. Keeping the family and staff in our prayers.

Marsha Pyle

July 18, 2011

All members of the UMKC dental community mourn the passing of Dr. Robert D. Smith, a member of the DDS Class of 1977. On behalf of our faculty, students, staff and alumni, we wish to convey our heartfelt sympathies to Dr. Smith's family.
Dr. Marsha Pyle, Dean of the UMKC School of Dentistry

Ann McDonough

July 16, 2011

Roxie & family. I'm so sorry for your loss. Bob was a sweet high school friend at Oak Park High School. Thinking of his quick smile and it was lovely reading other condolences as it is not a surprise that he lived a life that would make all proud. Much love to you all.

Kim Shaffer

July 15, 2011

All three of our children went to Dr. Smith for their braces. He was always so friendly and kind. I'm sorry for the family and for everyone in his office. They were always so kind, as well.

Jan Chinn

July 15, 2011

My heart is heavy with sorrow for Dr. Smith's family, friends, clinic staff and all of us who will miss him. He helped me gain a winning smile as a young adult-- now my granddaughter is in his orthodontic treatment. Of course, I chose him for her because I knew of his kind and gentle nature--
at the same time he was the ultimate professional--Dr. Brian does have some big shoes to fill, but mostly just that of a wonderful and caring soul.

July 15, 2011

Dear Roxie and family,

Sorry to hear of Dr. Smith's death. I was in complete shock when I saw the notice in the paper. Dr. Bob gave both of my kids their beautiful smiles and I was even a patient of his too. I always remember the kindness and smiles of all of the staff at Smith Orthodontics, especially Dr. Bob. He will be truly missed. He was an awesome, amazing, caring human being. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this time.

Christine (Anderson) Smith

July 15, 2011

Dear Roxie and Smith family.

The world has lost a truly great and sharing person. Please accept our sincere sympathies and know that our thoughts and prayers are indeed with you and your family.

Terry and Debbie Rhea

Renita Sansom

July 15, 2011

I haven't met any of you but your story has touched my heart deeply. My sister, Teresa Bishop, has worked in the practice and enjoyed friendships with many of you. She spoke very highly of Dr. Bob and I'm sorry I never had the chance to meet him. My thoughts are with all of you -family, staff, friends- today as you remember his life. As a member of the dental community myself for 24 years, I know that the dental team is your family in many ways. I wish you all comfort in the days ahead.
My Deepest Sympathies,
Renita Sansom, Garland TX

Marilyn Tornquist

July 15, 2011

Roxie we are sorry for loss from the gals at Thinking Of You

Carol Leighton

July 15, 2011

I have known of and greatly respected Dr. Smith for many years. I last saw him at the Wichita airport when he and Roxie conversed with Ken and Becky Dillehay (my employer). This picture you have chosen is exactly as I remember him, always wearing and sharing a handsome smile. I know you find great comfort in knowing of the great works he has done on earth. His memory will live on in many ways for many reasons.

With sincere sympathy,

Karol Sauer

July 15, 2011

Roxie, I was so shocked to hear of Bob's death. Joe and I had no idea that Bob had been battling cancer, as we had just run into you and Bob a few month's ago. It was our pleasure to be your neighbor for a few years, and I always felt that you and Bob set such an excellent example of how one should live their life. God bless you, Brian and Abby. We will keep your family in our prayers.

Garo AnjerKOchian

July 15, 2011

Are there any words or acts can feel the gap after Bob ?
I believe by following his path of Christly living will make this world a better place to live .
Dear Roxie, Brian and Abby ,I’m praying for you all ,May the Lord grant you peace, Love and comfort .
Dear Bob ,You will always live in our hearts and prayers .I truly feel fortunate that God gave me a friend and brother in Christ like you .

Garo Anjerkochian Toronto-Canada

C. Chris Mullen

July 15, 2011

God Speed Dr. Bob.

My smile is bester than yours, thanx to you! ;>)

July 14, 2011

Roxie, Brian and Abby, We were shocked and saddened by Dr Smith's passing. He was always a godly inspiration to our family whether as Tony's orthodontist, first boss or as a founder of Trinity Academy. The caring example he set in each of these roles will never be forgotten. Please accept our heartfelt condolences. May God comfort your family in this difficult time.

Grant and Debbie Book

July 14, 2011

Roxie,
Saddened to hear of your loss. You and your family are in my thoughts....

Brad Reha

Tammie Gates

July 14, 2011

Roxie and family, My heart is heavy this morning as I read of Bob's passing in the paper. Your family has always been such a Godly example to many throughout the years. May God comfort you in this time of loss.

Rachael Warrington

July 14, 2011

Dear Roxie, and family. I can not begin to express the blessing your family has been to us. We owe so much to you and Bob. Bob was a real influnes on our lives over the last twenty years. We are so blessed that both of you were willing to be vessels of God and give to others. I think of Bob as a gentle Paul, there will be many people in Heaven who will be there simply because the both of you said yes to God directions. Bob has many crowns to cast and Jesus's feet and yours will be waiting. I am sad, but also excited to see how God will use this to bring others to Him.
Praying for you daily.
Kent and Rachael Warrington

Nancy Wiebe

July 14, 2011

Sorry to hear about Dr. Smith's death. He brought beautiful smiles to all three of my kids.

sonja ottaway/ottlinger

July 14, 2011

My deepest condolences to the family of Bob. He was a wonderful man and orthodontist. Very caring person. When I explained him to my husband, I told him that I had actually had braces from him twice, oops not his fault. He always made me chuckle because he looked like Steve Martin. I asked Bob how many times he had been told that, he said many. His smile and kind heart will sure be missed by all. Thoughts and prayers are with you.

Tina Cox

July 14, 2011

Our thoughts and prayers are with your family and the office staff. With his outstanding care of myself and many years later with my children, Ryan and Kylie, we spent a lot of time together over the years. His smile and memories will last forever. He will be missed by all.

July 14, 2011

Classmates in dental school. Prayers to the family. Always such a nice person to everyone. Thoughts of why things like this happen to such giving people is a quandry that will never be answered. Frank Wolfson DDS

Ken & Becky Dillehay

July 14, 2011

Roxie, Brian and Abby, words simply can't describe the sadness that I feel after learning of Bob's passing or to adequately convey my condolences to your family. I will always remember the many happy moments that we spent as neighbors on 26th Street Court and the interaction of the kids on the cul-de-sac. Wichita has lost a talented doctor, a role model for young men, and a visionary for students. He will be missed by many, but it is comforting to know that he will receive his reward in Heaven for his deeds here on earth.

Micaela McFadden Widman

July 13, 2011

So sad and sorry to hear of the loss of Dr. Smith. He really was one of the nicest people on the earth. I am sad for his family, but so thankful that in a short time they (and we) in Christ will all be reunited in glory and love and worship the King of Kings for eternity. Blessings to the Smith family.

Monica Tiller

July 13, 2011

Roxie, Brian, Abby & Family: Our deepest condolences to you. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you. Monica Tiller, Erin Blackley, Lauren Tiller & Caitlin Tiller.

July 13, 2011

Roxie, Brian and Abby: Our thoughts and prayers are with you. I have always had the highest respect for Bob, and pray that you will be comforted during his absence from your family on earth by the knowledge of Bob being in His presence for eternity. Love in Christ, and may God sustain you with His grace.

Ken and Evelyn Anderson

Danielle Fells

July 13, 2011

My thoughts and prayers are with the Smith family and his staff. He was a wonderful orthodontist, a kind and very respectable man. Dr. Smith touch many peoples lives. I do believe that he influenced my career decision to go into the dental field.

Greg and Karen Perkins

July 13, 2011

Dear Smith Family,
Dr. Bob helped our two children have beautiful smiles today. Bob was a wonderful man and doctor. He will be greatly missed by all! Please accept our sincere sympathies and know that you will be in our prayers.

July 13, 2011

Roxy,Brian,Abby- This world has lost one of the truly "nice guys". Our thoughts and prayers are with the family in this time of loss.
Don and Miriam Thompson

July 13, 2011

Roxie and family, our deepest sympathies go out to all of you. We are so saddened to hear of Bob's passing. Know that you will be in our thoughts and prayers daily. With love...Your cousin, Jerri Lee (Larson) Dennett and Greg and Neal Dennett.

Mike & Sandy Thomas

July 13, 2011

Dear Roxie and family,
Mike and I were so sorry to hear about Bob's passing, we want you to know that we are here for you and if you need anything, please call. Our prayers are with you and your family.

Andrea Schlender

July 13, 2011

Dear Mrs. Smith, Brian, Emily, Abby, and family, my sincere condolences for your loss. Dr. Smith was a kind and godly man! My thoughts and prayers go out to all of you.

July 13, 2011

Roxie. Our deepest sympthies go to you and your family and you will be in our thoughts and prayers during this time of loss. Best Regards. Jeremy Tipping

Catherine Mutheey

July 13, 2011

Roxie, and Family I am praying for you all. May the Lord grant you peace and comfort. I will miss Bob.

July 12, 2011

Thanks for all your generous support, leadership, and prayers for Trinity Academy. Carol Webb

Carla Erickson

July 12, 2011

I will dearly miss Dr Smith! I worked with him for 12yrs and he made me not only love the specialty of orthodontics but helped my faith in God grow even stronger. He was such a kind and caring person.

July 12, 2011

Dear Mrs. Smith and family, we would like to extend our deepest sympathy to you and your family. Dr. Smith provided excellent orthodontic care to four of our children and he will be greatly missed, however, our loss is heaven's gain! Please be assured of our prayers for your family and Dr. Smith's staff. Sincerely in Christ, Deb and Don Forster family

Joe Yount

July 12, 2011

"Roxie and family, we will miss seeing Bob standing on the upper level of TA with friends, Pete Ochs, and Jed Holmes watching the boys play basketball! That was/is home to these men who invested great interest in establishing this Godly institution! The Lord in His wisdom has seen fit to take Bob home to live with Him! We pray that your comfort will come in knowing that you will join him one day!" Joe & Sandy Yount (Bob Beckler's Mom)

Kathy Howard

July 12, 2011

Roxie, Brian, Abby, Emily and Adam, words will never be able to express the sorrow that Wendell, Matthew, Casey and I feel. Your family was such a large part of our life for 8 years while we lived next door to you. Please know that you all are in our prayers and that God will see you through the difficult time.

Ken and Cyndee Maine

July 12, 2011

Our prayers are with you and your family. We know that Dr. Smith is standing before the Lord and is receiving his reward for a life lived to the glory of God. Surely the Lord has already welcomed him with the words "Well done faithful servant." We are thankful for the positive impact Dr. Smith made on the life of our family. May the Lord continue to bless your family.

Ryan Coleman

July 12, 2011

Roxie, Dr. Brian and the entire Smith family. I was so sad to hear the news about Dr. Smith. He would always take time to talk with me when I came into the office and always ask about my wife and son...always by their name. And he had never met them! He would ask so many things about me, I was never able to talk.....and I'm the salesman! What an amazing man he was. I know you are losing a truly wonderful Dad and Husband. I am so so sorry he is gone. I most certainly will miss him and will miss talking with him. God bless him and your family.

Craig Simon

July 12, 2011

While in Buena Vista last week, i was thinking of Bob and hoping to run into him at the City Market which has happened often. The day i returned to Wichita I heard about Bob's failing condition. My heart goes out to you Roxie, Brian and Abby. Bob truly lived his life as stated in Eph 5:2 "Live a life of love just as Christ loved us".

Mike Witherspoon

July 12, 2011

Dr. Smith was always a gentleman. He carefully measured his words and placed a premium on speaking the truth in love. Of some comfort: At this moment every aspect of his being has been elevated according to heaven's wonders.

July 12, 2011

Roxie, Brian & Abby:
We are so very sorry to hear about Dr. Bob's illness and sudden passing. Our heartfelt sincere prayers will be with your family as you go through this separation period. I feel blessed that I was able to work for Bob and become acquainted with a wonderful family in Kansas. I truly feel fortunate that I stopped by the office while visiting in Wichita for a brief minute and receive a hug and a short visit in April. There is a special place in heaven for the wonderful Dr. Bob. Thank you all for the great examples you have been to so very many people and the lifes that you have touched. Many prayers to all.
Dean & Shelli Clemens

Kent & Rachael Warrington

July 12, 2011

I can not even put into words what Bob and Roxie have done for us and our family over the last twenty years. Roxie you and Bob have blessed us on so many levels. Thank you for being such a willing vessel to serve God.
I think of Bob as a gentle Paul. Bob has been a true man of God and shared his faith in word but also deed. You and Bob will have crowns in heaven of all the people who came to know Christ through your testimony and you works here on earth.
We are praying for you and the children through this loss.
"O Death where is your sting? O Grave where is your vicotry?"
Kent and Rachael Warrington
Ethan, Emily and Clare Warrington

Susan Shaw

July 12, 2011

Dr. Smith did the orthodontic work for my disabled daughter several years ago. He and his staff were so kind, caring and supportive toward her. His work was excellent. I also appreciate his contributions to Trinity Academy and World Impact.

Claudette Glenn

July 12, 2011

Roxie, we are so very sorry to learn about Dr. Bob. You both have a very, very special place in our hearts due to your kindness, caring, compassion, and generosity as we went through Pastor Jeff's passing. May the love you shared come back to you in many ways as you celebrate the painful, yet victorious reward that God has for Dr. Bob!

With our greatest respect, adoration and sympathy,
Gaston, Jama, and Claudette Glenn

Tim & Barbara English

July 12, 2011

We were deeply saddened to learn of Dr. Smith's death. All four of our grown children have beautiful smiles thanks to his excellent orthodontic care when they were young. Even more, he was such a warm, caring person. He will be greatly missed! Our heartfelt prayers go out to his family.

Diana Fink

July 12, 2011

Roxie, Brian, Abby, Emily and Adam,
We are so sorry about the loss of Bob, your beloved husband, father and father-in-law. We know he will be missed, but we trust the memories you have shared will carry you through the years ahead.
Warmly,
Gary and Diana Fink

July 12, 2011

Dear Roxie,
Please accept my most heartfelt condolences at Bob's death. He was always the same kind, caring and comforting young man that I met at MU in 1970. I am so blessed to have known him. May fond memories heal the hole in your heart.
Sincerely,
Lisa Schriefer

July 12, 2011

We are grateful to Bob for his vision of Trinity Academy. We have one daughter who graduated from TA in 2008, a son who will graduate in 2012 and another son following behind in 2016. Without his part in the formation of Trinity, it wouldn't have been possible. We are forever indebted.

Alan and Beth Davis

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January 5, 2012

SHELLY MAULDIN posted to the memorial.

January 1, 2012

Kathy Thompson posted to the memorial.

November 5, 2011

Jan Hildebrnad posted to the memorial.