Robert Louis Smith

Robert "Bob" Louis Smith passed away on Tuesday, April 29, 2025, at 84. Due to the declining health, he died peacefully at home with his beloved wife Janie by his side. Suppose you ask several people who Bob was. In that case, they'd all give distinct narratives- A veteran, an artist, a singer, a guitarist, a photographer, a traveler, and a joke teller with an infectious grin.

He had a remarkable ability to draw people in, leaving them captivated by his humor, warmth, and sharp intellect.
Bob was born on September 11, 1940, to Clyde Wesley and Vizella Smith in Birmingham, Alabama. He grew up in Hot Springs, New Mexico, and graduated from high school in 1958. While in high school, Bob joined the Army National Guard and worked various jobs. In 1958, he enlisted in the Air Force. In 1960 he met and married Janie Love Walker. After bootcamp at Lackland AFB Bob was stationed at Bergstrom Air Force Base for 2 years then Fairchild AFB for years. Bob proudly served during the Vietnam War, stationed at Kadena AirForce Base in Okinawa, Japan for 3 years, where he specialized in B-52 and KC-135 navigation and autopilot systems. He completed his service in the Air Force stationed at Wurtsmith AFB. In 1971 Bob and Family moved to Albuquerque, NM, where he joined the Air National Guard. After 26 years of dedicated service, he retired at the rank of Master Sergeant.
Following his military career, Bob held various positions, including truck driver and lead electronic technician at Digital Equipment Corporation, where he worked on new product development and troubleshooting. He continued his career with start-up electronics companies until his retirement at age 62. After a successful career, Bob considered his greatest gift to be his loving wife, his two sons, and the family they built together.
Bob viewed trials and triumphs as lessons that enriched his life. Whether filled with joy or sorrow, each moment was a brushstroke on the canvas of his life, creating a masterpiece of resilience and wisdom. He instilled these values in his sons, teaching them to embrace challenges and cherish their experiences.

He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Janie Smith, son Louis (Melissa) Smith, and son Alan Smith. Grandchildren: Aaron Smith, Rachel (fiancé, Travis Gonzales) Smith, Aubrey (Robert) Alguire, Christa (Allan) Seanz, Brandy (Stezean) Mocaby, Seanee (Fiance, Frank Ritter) Smith, and Luke Romero-Smith. Great grandchildren, Leandra Alguire, Bentley Mauldin, Brooke Alguire, Viviana Trujillo, Emerce Bell, LaLaine Smith, JD Alguire, Wesley Temkin, and anxiously awaited Adeline Ritter. Siblings, Angie King, Naomi Corn, Larry W. Smith, and Esther Earley. He has been a guiding light in our lives, cherishing the memories of his family with love
and warmth. As his family, we find comfort in the thought of his reunion with his cherished children, Baby Son Duane Smith and Baby Daughter Sheryl Smith, along with his parents, siblings, Clay Smith, Lorene Jones, Samuel Watts and many more loved ones, who left this world. His legacy will live on through the love and dedication he instilled in us.

A memorial service will be held at Fort Stanton Military Cemetery on Friday, May 16, 2025, at 1:30 PM. The cemetery is located at 1398 State Highway 20, Fort Stanton, NM 88323. A reception will follow.
 

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