Robert Gene Smith

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Robert Gene Smith, a man of endless wit and wisdom. Robert was born on December 10, 1946 and transitioned out of this life on October 23, 2026. Through his journey of 79 years, he touched many lives with wisdom, humor, and an unwavering spirit of perseverance.

Bob was born in Atlantic, Iowa. His family made Lakewood, Colorado their home. He grew up enjoying outdoor activities and competitive sprint car and midget racing. He graduated from Lakewood High School in 1965 and immediately volunteered for the draft to serve his country in the Vietnam War. He was wounded in action in Vietnam. He received the National Defense Service medal; Vietnam Campaign medal; Purple Heart; and Vietnam Service Medal with Bronze Service Star. He was honorably discharged in 1968. He and Mary were married in October 1967 and he transitioned into life as a mechanic and was offered a job as an over the road driver. The family moved to Arvada in 1971, and in 1983 settled in Longmont.

He enjoyed being in the mountains, being in a local Jeep club, Jeep racing and ice racing, watching auto racing, talking with family and friends and was excellent at delivering a well timed joke. He retired in 2015. He then worked at Tebo Car Museum, the local Ford dealership and Super Wash Car Wash. He enjoyed reading anything about history, especially World War I and World War II, biographies, and anything about auto racing.

Bob’s legacy of humor, perseverance, and learning will be carried forward by those who had the privilege of knowing him. His remarkable life will forever be an inspiration, a testament to the power of an indomitable spirit enthused with curiosity and resilience.

He will be greatly missed and forever remembered.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Lee and Wanda; and sister Vicki. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Mary; son, Tracy (Christine), daughter, Kerry (Chris), daughter, Stephanie (Rich); brother Greg (Barb); and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews. We extend our heartfelt sympathies to the family, friends and neighbors and all who mourn Bob’s departure.

A funeral service celebrating Bob’s exceptional life will be held on November 4, 2026 at 10:30 AM at Olinger Crown Hill Cemetery 7777 W. 29th Ave. Wheat Ridge, CO 80033. We invite all who knew and loved Bob to join us in honoring his memory. A livestream is available at https://view.oneroomstreaming.com/index.php?data=MTc5MzIwMjgyNjQzNzk0MSZvbmVyb29tLWFkbWluJmNvcHlfbGluaw==

We encourage you to honor Bob’s legacy of values and traditions, and sharing these insights with others. This, we believe, would be the best tribute to his extraordinary life.