Robert Lee Smith, age 92 of Elwood, died Monday, November 3, 2014 surrounded by his family at Community Parkview Care Center in Elwood. He was born on June 29, 1922 in Greencastle, the son of John Ruben and Sarah Ann (Williams) Smith. He served his country in the United States Army from February 15, 1943 to January 25, 1948 as a Technician 5th Grade Troop B 699 Quartermaster during World War II in India and Burma. The Quartermaster Remounts were a group of just under 300 men who were responsible for the transport of mules and horses to the troops. He had been around the world on a ship leaving San Francisco where they spent a night on Alcatraz then joined a flotilla of ships in the Pacific to pick up mules in New Caledonia then stopping to pick up supplies in Sydney and Perth Australia. From there they stopped in New Guinea and then on to unload the animals in Calcutta, India. They then returned to New Guinea for more animals by way of Tazmania stopping again for additional supplies before returning to India for a second time. Each then took six mules over the Himalayan Mountains into Burma and China. Once the animals were delivered to the troops, the Remount troops were flown back to catch a ship, the Santa Rosa, crossing the Red Sea before going through the Suez Canal. The pilot flew low enough that they could see the Rock of Gibaltar. They disembarked in New York and brought the train to Camp Atterbury where they were released from duty. He qualified for the Remounts by being an active rodeo cowboy prior to entering the Army.

Robert then rejoined the rodeo where he met his wife, Rosemary Crull, in Elwood when the rodeo wintered over. They were married on June 28, 1947. Bob retired from the rodeo to raise his daughters. He farmed for a few years, then drove a truck for the Indiana Tankline which was later purchased by Ruan Transport. After retiring from Ruan he drove for the Farm Bureau Co-op for a few years before retiring from the Teamsters. Bob enjoyed woodworking and home construction and helped build and remodel homes in the Elwood area. He and Rosemary traveled all of the lower 48 states during their years together. Bob loved spending time with his daughters and grandchildren. He served as President and Secretary of the Elwood Eagles Lodge and was a member of the Elwood V.F.W. After the exciting life he had as a young man, he told one of his daughters that he only had one goal in life, to be a good father. He accomplished that well beyond his goal.

Robert's family includes 3 children, Rose Ann (husband Eddy) Pheanis of Raleigh, NC, Linda McPhearson (companion Doug Leever) of Elwood, and Deborah Boll of Brookston; 7 grandchildren, Sam (Tiffany) Parr of Russiaville, Amy (Ray) Bundy of Elizabeth City, NC, Veronica (Bill) Harris of Anderson, Randy McPhearson (companion Tina Moles) of Anderson, Michael (Linda) York of Curtisville, Scott (Darla) Hartley of Brookston, and Stacie (Jack) Price of Dayton; 2 step-grandchildren, Ronald McPhearson, Jr, and Misty Rust; and 15 great-grandchildren; 2 great-great grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife of more than 60 years, Rosemary Smith who died July 19, 2007; 3 brothers, Arthur Smith, Hubert Smith and Herbert Smith; 4 sisters, Alice Smock, Pearl Woodward, Viola Smith, and Martha Huff; great-granddaughter, Susanne Hartley; 2 sons-in-law, Ronald McPhearson and Larry Boll; and granddaughter-in-law, Kara McPhearson.

A funeral service celebrating Robert's life will be conducted at 2:00 PM on Wednesday, November 5, 2014 at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home in Elwood with Rev. Bob Hendrix of the First Missionary Baptist Church officiating. Burial will follow in the Elwood City Cemetery and will include military honors by the U.S. Military and Elwood V.F.W Honor Guard. Visitation will be from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM at the funeral home prior to the funeral service. Memorial contributions may be made to the Elwood V.F.W. through the funeral home. Online condolences: www.copherfeslermay.com.