Robert J. Smith Jr., 64, of Clinton, Iowa passed away at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics on Thursday, May 21, 2015. Honoring Robert's final wishes, cremation rites have been accorded with a memorial service occurring at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 26 at Lemke Funeral Homes - South Chapel (2610 Manufacturing Drive). A visitation will be held two hours prior to the memorial service from 4:00 p.m. until time of service at the funeral home. Lemke Funeral Homes is assisting the family with arrangements.
Robert was born May 9, 1951 in Clinton, Iowa the son of Nancy (Heath) and Robert Smith Sr. He was a graduate of Camanche High School. Following High School, Robert joined the Merchant Marines and later would enlist in the U.S. Navy.
For many years Robert worked as a deckhand in Savanna, Illinois for Consolidated Barge Lines.
Robert loved the outdoors from an early age and all through his life. Whether it was raccoon hunting with his favorite Bluetick hound - Blue Bell, hunting, fishing or making Native American crafts; he simply loved anything to do with the outdoors. Another passion that started at an early age was participating in or watching sports. In High School he competed in track and set several school records. This passion for sports would also be passed along to his children as he enjoyed teaching his sons boxing and loved watching his children and grandchildren compete in sports. Above all he loved his family very much, especially his grandchildren, and will be sadly missed.
Robert is survived by his mother - Nancy Smith of Clinton, IA., one daughter - Annette (Jacob Schoenhaar) Smith of Clinton, IA.; three sons - Jesse (Amy Golden) Smith of Clinton, IA., James (Crystal Catie Cook) Smith of Clinton, IA., Matthew (Amanda) Smith of Thomson, Il.; one sister - Diana (Dar Stoll) Smith of Clinton, IA.; one brother Shawn Smith of Bellevue, IA., with many grandchildren, nieces, cousins and friends as well as his life-long partner - Kathy Elliot of Clinton, IA.
Preceding Robert in death were his father, one sister, two grandchildren and one nephew.
Memorials made can be directed to the wishes of the family.

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