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Robert G. 'Bob' Smith Overland Park, KS QCWA # 23607 Chapter 35 |
Dr. Robert G. Smith (Bob, Dr. Bob), 72, Overland Park, Kansas, peacefully passed away on Friday, October 26, 2018, after courageously persevering through a hard-fought battle with Frontotemporal Degeneration (FTD). Bob was born on December 17, 1945 in Davenport, Iowa to Billy Burton (B.B.) and Marinelle Smith. Bob spent most of his childhood in Independence, Kansas and Monett, Missouri, graduating from Monett High School in 1963. Bob graduated from the KU School of Pharmacy in 1968, and continued on to UMKC where he earned a Doctorate of Dental Surgery (DDS) in 1972. Bob practiced general, gentle dentistry for nearly 40 years, and was honored by the Kansas Dental Association as Dentist of the Year in 1996. Dentistry was only one of Bob's many talents. He was also a pilot (V-tail Bonanza), an amateur radio operator ("73" from K0FYJ), an amazing pianist, and could impersonate an egg beater like no other. Bob was also a loving family man. He is survived by his wife Tam Smith of over 46 years, son Grant Smith (Melissa) and daughter Aly (Smith) Romero. Bob also has four grandchildren: Eva and Eric Smith; Landon and Lawson Romero. Bob had a brilliant and kind soul, leaving a lasting impression on anyone he encountered. His calming presence and demeanor, sprinkled with a quick wit and bold sense of humor, drew people to him. He was always there to listen, genuinely and sincerely making you feel as though you mattered. His presence will remain steadfast in all of those he positively affected over the course of his life, and his legacy will live on in his family and friends, to whom he meant so much. A celebration of life will be held on Sunday, December 16, 2018, 2-4pm at Matt Ross Community Center, 8101 Marty Street, Overland Park, KS 66204. Donations can be made in his memory to the Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration: www.theaftd.org.