Robert “Bob” Lee Smith passed on Sunday, October 4, 2026 at Kingston Skilled Nursing in Perrysburg after many years of declining health.
Robert was the first-born child of Lee and Flossie (Sprought) Smith, of Pemberville, OH, followed by his sister Peggy (Harder) two years later. Bob, a graduate of the Pemberville High School class of 1947, studied piano from an early age, plus became an adept church organist, eventually graduating from Bowling Green State University with a degree in Music Education in 1951. He taught school one day before receiving his induction notice for the US Army, reporting to Fort McClellan, Alabama for basic training.
Upon discovering his prowess as a typist, plus his college education, the commander of the installation requested that Bob remain on his personal staff, therefore keeping him state-side for the remainder of his enlistment period. Bob often said this was one of his favorite jobs during his lifetime.
Returning to northwest Ohio, Robert married Thelma (Partee) on August 27, 1954. They had met while both were music students at Bowling Green State University. The Smiths settled in North Baltimore, OH, both taking music teaching positions in the area. Bob returned to Hoytville Schools for the next few years, followed by a year as the band director at Anthony Wayne Schools. With the benefit of the GI Bill, Bob returned to BGSU to obtain a Master of Education degree and certification in Elementary Education, grades K-8. This led to a long and successful career as an elementary classroom teacher at Toth Elementary School in Perrysburg. Bob retired from teaching in 1995.
During his years with Perrysburg Schools, Bob served in leadership positions in the PEA (Perrysburg Education Association) including one term as president. He mainly taught sixth grade and was remembered for his creativity in teaching, his special programs and his devotion to his students. Bob received many honors during his career including Perrysburg Teacher of the Year in 1989, plus a nomination for the state of Ohio’s Teacher of the Year. Joe Bailey, Perrysburg’s superintendent of schools at that time said, “He’s a wonderful teacher – first rate, demanding and absolutely dedicated to teach children.” Upon retirement, Smith remained connected to Toth as a volunteer for many years.
Throughout most of his teaching career, Bob also maintained an active music life, primarily as a church choir director and organist. In Perrysburg, he served the First United Methodist Church as the long-time choir director followed by service at Grace Church as the organist. He continued to play the organ and piano well into his late 70’s, often serving as a substitute organist in his hometown of Pemberville and in Luckey, OH.
Following the example set by his mother Flossie, Bob maintained membership for over seventy years in the Order of the Eastern Star, a Masonic organization. The state officers visited him at Kingston to present his award for longevity.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Peggy, his former wife and dear friend Thelma, an infant daughter, his son Greg and his daughter Lisa (Moutaz Khouja). He is survived by his son Phil (Karen), son-in-law Moutaz, granddaughter Catherine Hann (husband James Quaintance), many nieces and nephews plus several close friends (Madelyn Rexer, Vicki Sweeney, Sandy Duty and Marcia Little) from his years at Toth Elementary.
The family is grateful for his tremendous care while a resident at Kingston Skilled Nursing, Perrysburg, OH. Special thanks to the staff on the second floor especially Alice Zoll, Linda, Jake, Debbie, Michelle et al, his Sincere Health Care Hospice caretakers (Andrea, Keryn, Ziad) and to caregiver and friend Amy Thornton.
Bob will be laid to rest at a family committal service in Eisenhour Cemetery Pemberville, OH.
Those wishing to make a donation in Bob’s honor are encouraged to support Planned Pethood of Toledo (pets@plannedpethood.org) as he was devoted to his dogs, particularly his last pet, Chico.
Those wishing to express a word of encouragement, share a memory or photo may do so at www.marshfuneralhomes.com.
