Robert Lee Smith

1940 - 2025

Robert "Bob" Lee Smith
Elsah - Robert Lee "Bob" Smith, 84, also known as Groundskeeper, Smitty, and Red, passed away at 12:34 a.m., Thursday, February 6, 2025 at his home, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on March 31, 1940, in Golden Eagle, Illinois, the son of Robert and Bertha (Behrens) Smith. Bob married Dolores (Vatole) Smith on May 27, 1965 at St. Matthew's Catholic Church in Alton, Illinois; she survives. Bob worked at Granite City Steel for 36 years, retiring in 1994. Bob loved spending time with his family and friends, hunting, fishing, golfing, and riding his motorcycle. Out of all the hobbies he had, duck hunting was his biggest passion. If you ever spent time hunting in Calhoun County, chances are you knew him, not just because of the common interest, but because his personality was bigger than life itself. He was a lifetime member of Migratory Waterfowl Hunters Inc., and he participated in March of Dimes, Rides for Wishes, and many other organizations. He was a U.S. Navy veteran and a member of the Grafton American Legion. In addition to his wife, Bob leaves behind two sons: Paul (Kristi) Smith of Bethalto, Illinois, and Kary (Lori) Smith of Elsah, Illinois; six grandchildren: Jordan (Joe) Gajewski of Chicago, Illinois, Joshua McEuen of Elsah, Illinois, Dylan Smith of Godfrey, Illinois, Andrew (Hannah) Fennewald of Godfrey, Dillon Fennewald and Brendon Smith, both of Bethalto, Illinois. He had three great granddaughters: Camryn Eileen Konrath, Mackenzie Gajewski, and Siena Fennewald, and a great grandson on the way: Archie Mac Fennewald. Bob also will be missed by two very special nieces: Karen (Richard) Droege and Cynthia (Bill) Heffington, who helped with his care and lovingly put up with his antics. Bob was preceded in death by his parents; and his sister, Jane (Tepen) Pohlman; and brothers, Phillip and Paul.
Visitation will be held from 11 a.m. until time of funeral services at 1 p.m., Thursday, February 13, 2025 at Crawford Funeral Home in Jerseyville. Father Patrick Gibbons will officiate. Burial will follow at Elsah Cemetery with the Grafton American Legion conducting full military honors. Memorials may be given to Migratory Waterfowl Hunters, Inc., in care of the funeral home. Memories may be shared with the family by visiting www.crawfordfunerals.com.