John R. “Bob” Smith
92, of Indianapolis, died July 2, 2015 with his wife Bonnie at his side. He was born to the late Veatha and Buren Smith October 10, 1922. A long-time resident of Indianapolis, Bob graduated from Thorntown High School in 1940 and joined the Navy. While stationed in Wildwood, New Jersey, Bonnie (Ramsey) joined him and they were married June 22, 1945. They recently celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary, quite a milestone for this devoted couple.

In addition to his loving wife, Bonnie, he is also survived by daughters Ret Yeager (David) of Plymouth, MI, Linda Zapp (Doug) of Greenwood, IN, sons Denny Smith of Greenfield, IN and Phil Smith of Fort Wayne, IN, 8 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren (with the 18th due in July). He is also survived by a brother, Hamer Smith (Betty) of Lafayette, IN. Bob was predeceased by one brother, one sister and one grandchild.

A loyal employee of the Kroger Company, Bob retired in 1983 celebrating a 42 year career. He was a young man working at Kroger in Thorntown, when Bonnie (shopping with her brother) asked him to carry her sugar to the car. He went into the service shortly thereafter and they started exchanging letters. And the rest, as they say, is history.

Bob and Bonnie spent much of their retired years at sporting events of grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Bob will be remembered for his great sense of humor, his intense loyalty to family and friends, as well as his generosity. He loved fishing, playing euchre (quarter-quarter-quarter) and an occasional trip to the casino. His greatest joy, though, was his family. He will be greatly missed.

The family would like to acknowledge and thank the dedicated caregivers from Millers Senior Living facility, in particular Norma (he called her Normandee) and Dawn.

Services will be Tuesday, July 7 at 11 a.m. with visitation at 10 a.m. at Castleton United Methodist Church, 7101 Shadeland Ave., Indianapolis, IN 46256. Burial will be at Maple Lawn Cemetery, Thorntown, IN.
Memorial donations can be made to Castleton United Methodist Church.