It is with sadness and joy that we share that Robert C. Smith passed away on 10/8/26 at

the age of 95.He left his earthly home in Knoxville, IA and entered his heavenly home. We know

with certainty that he’s been released from his earthly body which will be replaced with a

renewed body. That gives us great comfort and hope that as scripture says, “Death has no

sting.”

Robert Carlton Smith was born November 21, 1930, in Quincy, Massachusetts the son

of Thomas Franklin and Gertrude Elizabeth (Kinsman) Smith. Bob was raised in the Dorchester,

Massachusetts area and following high school, he enrolled in Gordon College. Following his

graduation from seminary, Bob was united in marriage to Audrey Ann Nead on September 1,

1956, in Norwood, Massachusetts. Bob and Audrey were called to serve churches in Maine,

Massachusetts, Illinois, and Grinnell, Iowa, until moving to Knoxville, Iowa in 1986 to serve as

the pastor at the First Baptist Church in Knoxville, from which retired in 1992.

He was a man of service, whether it was shepherding his congregations or caring for

and helping those in need. After his retirement, “Pastor Bob” as he was known in Knoxville,

served as the Chaplin of the Knoxville V.A. Medical Center until the facility’s closure. He put

down roots and was willing to make an investment into the community. Following the Lord’s

calling and seeing a need, he was instrumental in starting the Food Pantry out of the church.

That ministry expanded to a separate location called Helping Hands. From there, apartments

were added to give temporary living spaces for people in need. He truly cared about people and

wanted to show love with food and shelter.

In his spare time, Bob was an avid golfer. He rarely sat still and always answered a call

for assistance. Bob truly loved the Lord, and helping others was his life passion. He had a smile

for everyone and taught us that laughter is a gift. His stories and legacy will live on.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Gertrude and Tom; wife, Audrey and his

siblings: Helen, Gertrude, Phyllis, Mary, Tom, Hugh, Arthur and George.

Those left to cherish Bob’s memory include his children Deborah (Will) Roberts, Paul

(Karen) Smith, Cindy (Brad) Wissink and Kathy (John) Neal; 10 grandchildren; 8 great-

grandchildren; 2 step-grandchildren; 6 step-great grandchildren and many other family members

and friends.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church.