Robert J. "Bob" Smith DVM

Robert J. "Bob" Smith, DVM - age 90 of Kansas City, MO passed away Tuesday afternoon, January 20, 2026, at Riverstone Retirement Community in Kansas City, Missouri. Bob was born on August 22, 1935, the son of Johnie Alfred and Opal Grace (King) Smith in Kansas City, MO. Bob had many fond memories of a childhood spent in the village of Linden, MO - known today as Gladstone. Humble beginnings flourished into a fulfilling life for Bob.

He started his education at Gashland Elementary School before Bob's parents moved to a farm near Cowgill, MO, where his grandparents lived. Bob cherished the quaint and simple farm life while attending Cowgill Elementary School and several country schools. On the farm Bob learned the value of hard work and found his calling caring for livestock. In 1949, he started as a freshman at Polo High School--the first year Polo had an FFA program. Bob went on to become the first State Farmer from Polo High School. While in high school Bob was president of FFA, Student Council, Editor of the yearbook and Captain of the basketball team. He graduated salutatorian of his class in 1953.

In the fall of 1953, Bob headed to the University of Missouri – Columbia to study Pre-Veterinary Medicine. It was there he met Reta Christman. They were married on June 11, 1958, at the First Christian Church in Columbia. The following year they welcomed their daughter, Melissa. After graduation from Veterinary School in 1960, Bob, Reta and Melissa moved to Polo, MO and Bob started his Veterinary practice. During this time the Smith's welcomed their two other children, Kyle and Brian. Bob enjoyed getting back to his roots in the community and served on the Polo School Board for 2 years.

Bob sold the Veterinary practice in 1977 and began a career with MFA, Inc. in Columbia, MO, traveling throughout the state. In 1983, he began working for Continental Grain and they moved to Libertyville, IL where he made lasting relationships with people at home and abroad. Bob traveled extensively to Korea and China as a swine specialist. After Libertyville, IL, they moved to Glen Carbon, IL near St. Louis where he continued his career with Continental Grain. In 1992, Bob served as President of the American Association of Industrial Veterinarians and in 1999 was named Veterinarian of the Year by the AAIV.

From Glen Carbon, IL, Bob and Reta moved to Liberty, MO. After moving to Liberty, Bob (and Reta) joined the Liberty Lions Club and were very active in many local service projects. They took part in medical missions trips to Mexico City, Mexico and the Philippines. Bob served in many capacities within Lions Club as President of the Liberty chapter in 2002 and District Governor of District 26-G in 2005. He was awarded Lion of the Year for District 26-G in 2003 and a recipient of the Melvin Jones Fellow award in 2006.

At an early age Bob was infatuated with country music, especially the sound of the steel guitar. In the mid–1960s Bob began taking lessons, but was mostly self-taught. He performed with the Union Mill Opry in Edgerton, MO.

It was a wonderful, fulfilling life both professionally and personally.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Reta of the home; children, Melissa Heath (Ed) of Kansas City, MO, Kyle Smith (Diane) of Chisago City, MN, and Brian Smith (Shannon) of College Grove, TN; grandchildren, Joshua Heath (Katie) of Kansas City, MO, Ryan Smith (Olga) of Cincinnati, OH, Kristen Smith of Brentwood, TN, Brent Smith of College Grove, TN, and Sophia Smith of College Grove, TN; and great-grandchildren, Mila Smith, Alina Smith, and Evelyn Heath.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the Polo Community Church in care of the funeral home. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM, Saturday, February 28, 2026, at Stith Funeral Home in Polo. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Cowgill Cemetery, southeast of Cowgill. Arrangements entrusted to the care and direction of Stith Funeral Home in Polo (660) 354-2214. Online guestbook at www.stithfamilyfunerals.com