Robert Ernest Smith

1933 - 2025

Robert Ernest Smith
Dec. 21, 1933 - Jan. 8, 2025

Funeral services for Robert Ernest Smith, 91, of Vian, will be at 1 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 13, 2025, at Vian Freewill Baptist Church in Vian. Burial will follow at Box Cemetery in Vian, under the direction of Agent Mallory Martin Funeral Service, Inc.
Robert Ernest Smith passed from this life into his heavenly home on Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. Robert was born the youngest son of William H. "Bill" and Elizabeth "Belle" Smith on Dec. 21, 1933.
Robert is survived by his devoted wife, Patsy (Plunkett) Smith; four daughters: Angelique Moser and Chris, Robbie Cato and Clinton, Shelly Stewart and Allen, and Kim Davis and Mike, all of Vian; nine grandchildren, Chase Moser and fiancé, Katie, Chelsea Littleton and Drew, Brandon Kennedy and April, Derek Kennedy and Billie, Ty Cato and Tara, Seth Stewart, Nikki Stewart, Kendra Waldrop and Patrick, and Jessica Davis; great-grandchildren, Rylee, Brooks, Kailey Scaff and Matt, Kalli Jo, Koby, Kanyon, Carter, Tyson, Maison, Noah, Reese, Maggie, Claire, Audrey, Jhett, Trinidy, Sidney, Nate, and Marco; great-great-grandchildren, Loreli Scaff and Isla Scaff; two sisters, Opal Woodrome of Wichita, Kan. and Gwen Collins and Paul of Skiatook; and numerous nephews, nieces, cousins and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, William H. "Bill" and Elizabeth "Belle" Smith; one grandson, Dillon Moser; three sisters, Dora Ann Smith, Irene Morris and JoWanna Skaggs; and three brothers, John "J.B.," Odell and Vernon Smith.
After graduating from Vian High School, Robert was drafted into the Army in 1954. He was stationed in Germany. Upon returning home in 1956, he attended Connors State College before accepting a job in Tulsa, Oklahoma. On a visit to Vian, he and his friend spotted two beautiful girls on the side of the road trying to fix a flat. One of those girls, Patsy Plunkett, became his bride. They were married on Nov. 23, 1957. Robert worked for Sequoyah County before he and Pat opened Rob's Drive-In in April 1967. They sold the drive-in in 1993. They gave many high school student's job opportunities throughout the years. They celebrated 67 years of marriage in November 2024. Over 70 family and friends gathered at The Pines to honor them. He loved teasing especially his grandchildren and telling the fish stories. The older ones loved going fishing with grandpa.
Pat and his daughters lovingly cared for Robert during this extended illness. They rotated staying with him night and day the last few years. One of their main jobs was keeping the pesky squirrels out of his pecans! He would invent ways to try and keep the squirrels out of the trees. The girls' job was to try and implement his inventions!
Robert kept a positive attitude throughout his illness. He worked hard at staying as active as possible. He will be fondly missed.
Active pallbearers will be Chase Moser, Brandon Kennedy, Derek Kennedy, Ty Cato, Seth Stewart and Jett Barnes.
Honorary pallbearers will be Jimmy Smith, Larry Smith, Richard Smith, Shane Morris, Darren Collins and Keith Woodrome.
Viewing will be noon to 6 p.m. Saturday and 2 to 8 p.m. Sunday at Agent Mallory Martin Funeral Home in Sallisaw. The family will greet from 3 to 5 p.m. Sunday.