Robert E. Smith

Robert Eugene Smith (Bob) passed away on Friday, December 11, 2020 surrounded by loved ones at his home where he lived for the past 52 years of his life.
Bob was born in Chicago, Illinois on January 8, 1932. He is one of three sons of Carrie (Spidel) Hamlin. He grew up in the city of Chicago and graduated from Austin High School 1949. He then served in the United States Army and Army National Guard from February 1951 to July 1956, rising to the rank of sergeant first class. He served overseas in Germany during his time in service. After the service, he worked at Employee Mutual Company (EMC) as an underwriter and moved up to become the manager of the Chicago Branch of EMC and President of Illinois Emcasco Insurance Company. Along the way he continued his education receiving his Charter Property Casualty Underwriter (CPCU) and Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU).
Bob met his wife, Jackie (McGinnis) Smith, at an office Christmas party for EMC, where they both worked. A few months after the Christmas party, they were engaged. A year later, they married and remained married for 61 wonderful years.
He enjoyed watching his beloved Chicago Cubs; and was extremely excited to see them win a World Series and proud to wear his championship shirt! He also enjoyed the Chicago Bears (at least in the 80s!). He loved talking and joking with his family and friends, playing cards with the Men’s group, working on jig-saw puzzles with Jackie, and reading spy novels. He loved the outdoors; he loved camping, fishing and exploring National Parks. This love has been passed down through the generations.
Bob was a loving dad to his children, working hard to provide the best life for his family. He assisted in scouting, was involved in the church, worked with his children to develop their life skills and encouraged education. He provided each of his children the opportunity to create their best future.
He was preceded in death by his loving mother Carrie (Spiedel) Hamlin and his elder brothers Kenneth Farrington and James Smith.
Bob is survived by his wife, Jackie Smith, his daughter Cathy (Mark) Yenser, their children Matthew (Christine) Yenser, Kelly (Scott) May and Nathaniel (Brittany) Yenser, his son Robert Smith and his son Curtis Smith with his son Joshua. He is also survived by ten great grandchildren (Aiden, Allyson, Joshua, Caleb, Lucas, Connor, Alexander, Emily, Katelyn, and Charlotte). Bob loved his entire family; a father of three, grandfather of four, and great-grandfather of ten.
Bob always had a warm smile and a gentle demeanor. A quiet sense of humor that never faltered, even as he helped raise his 3 children! He always brought a sense of calmness in a very kind and loving way. He will be missed by many.
Visitation will be held Tuesday, December 15th from 3 to 8 p.m. at the Vandenberg Funeral Home in Mokena, Illinois. Private service, December 16th, where he will be interred at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to United Methodist Church of New Lenox and Joliet Area Hospice. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, occupancy in the funeral home is limited to 25 people at one time. Face masks are required to be worn at the funeral home. For information call 708-479-1210 or go to www.vandenbergfuneralhome.com .