Robert Smith

Memorial Mass Saturday, May 24th, 2014 - 02:00 PM - Trinity Episcopal Church 310 East Noble Avenue - Guthrie, OK - 73044 Robert James "Bob"Smith was born on September 17, 1947 in Memphis Tennessee. His birth mother passed shortly after his birth and through adoption he became a blessing to his mother, Mary-Elizabeth Smith, who adored him the moment she first held him, and Donald Laverne Smith. Bob lived all over the U.S due to the rigors of his father's work and had the opportunity to make friends in many places. When Bob was 17, he snuck out of the house to join some friends and march in Selma with Doctor Martin Luther King, knowing full well the hiding it would earn him when he returned, but as Bob would tell you, "Right is right, and you have to do what's right." He would repeat this stunt in Chicago as well , much to the chagrin of his father who had "differing political views" on the subject of civil rights. As the sixties wore on , and Bob became of draftable age, he entered the United States Navy and became a medic/corpsman and eventually a Lieutenant. He did not do this alone, however, he was joined by his best friend and the love of his life, a young man by the name of Shannon. Together they worked side by side saving as many lives as possible on the front lines of Vietnam, until one day, they were under heavy fire and Shannon left the shelter to try and save another soldier. He was hit by heavy fire and despite Bob's best efforts to save him, he died in Bob's arms in Da Nang. Bob accompanied his body back to the U.S., and thus ended his military career. After a brief time in what he referred to as a " typical hippie commune", seeking direction and a higher sense of meaning and purpose Bob joined the Order Of the Holy Cross monastery where he completed both his postulancy as well as his novitiate before what he referred to as his "fräulein Maria" moment. Knowing it was time to stop trying to hide from the past problems, and time to start living he rescended his vows and returned to Oklahoma, where he attended Central State university, and collected more degrees than you can shake a stick at, including a PhD in business management, as well as English, creative writing and literature, when he was finally finished he was a dissertation shy of two more PhDs! Bob ended up teaching at central state/UCO for over 27 years and thoroughly enjoyed his time there! He also had the opportunity to teach "history of musical theatre" at Oklahoma City University for a time . During most of this time, he also spent many memorable weekends participating in the "murder mystery weekends" at the Stone Lion Inn in Guthrie, you wouldn't believe the stories he could tell! Perhaps what Bob is best remembered for though, is spending over 25 years writing theatre reviews for the Edmond Sun. Bob loved the theatre and had been on the boards every chance he got from an early age. Theatre was his biggest passion, and anyone who knew him would agree that he was most enlivened of all when setting foot in a theatre Over the years he made so many wonderful friends at City Rep, The Pollard, OKCTC, Carpenter Square, Ghostlight Theatre Club, and Jewel Box Theatre - and the importance of those friendships to him cannot be over-stated. Bob took a personal interest in the life and well being of every person he met, and he always wanted the best for everyone. In 1990, his darling mother was called home, and in 2007 he had to give in and retire early in order to become a full time caregiver to his Father who was living with Alzheimer's. Bob dealt with the task of caring for his father with an uncommon grace and mercy, and it was through this ordeal that he met a new 'bestie' Christy. After his fathers passing in 2009 their friendship grew and thrived and on June 20 2012 they were married at their home in Edgewater. Through this union, Bob also became a father to his stepdaughter Jocelyn, a job he took very seriously! He enjoyed reading bedtime stories to her, helping her with her reading and spelling, family Doctor Who, Harry Potter, and Lord of the Rings marathons, in short ' geeking out 'with his new family! Over their time together many, many wonderful memories were made, he most especially enjoyed introducing Jocelyn to the theatre! She caught a taste of theatre magic from him and has been addicted ever since! In 2013, the family moved to Guthrie and bought their dream. 'Cottage ', they had no idea when they bought it it included lifetime membership in a small town parish they would come to adore, and a whole list of wonderful new friends! Bob became very ill on March 17th, and was hospitalized due to that illness, he passed from this life on March 24th 2014, with his wife and family by his side, and so many wonderful, wonderful friends. Bob felt the loss of Shannon and his mother everyday, for the rest if his life. It gave christy great peace to know that even though she had to lose him for a time, he was back in the arms of his mother and Shannon, being showered with love and kisses. She knows they are probably playing bridge, drinking Pepsi, checking in on her from time to time, and saving her a seat. Little Jocelyn is certain that Boba's mansion in heaven is blue ( his favorite color ) and she has a room there when she is ready. She also knows that Boba will always be with her in her heart, and will always be looking out fir her. Christy is grateful for getting so much quality time with such an epic, one of a kind gentleman . Bob taught her about real love, and trust and companionship. She believes that no one on earth has ever been more loved than she was by that man! Bob was quick with a quip, loved to laugh, and enriched the lives of everyone he met, most especially his wife and daughter. Bob is survived by his wife Christy, six year old daughter Jocelyn, mother and stepfather in law, John and Maryln Stemle, Father in law Gary Guile, Sister in law Leslie Terrell, brother in law Nathan Bowen, aunt and uncle in laws Toad and Joann Guile, the Hojo circus, and a whole host of friends who are family, most especially Linda McDonald, Brad Morelli, Don Jordan, lane fields, Rhonda Clark, James Gordon and Keith Burgess . Greg white, Jerome Stevenson, Rachael Irick , Jonathan Beck-Reed, Cyndi Steele-Harrod, and so many others through the theatre community, please know he thought if you much as his own children, and was so proud of you all ! He really did have a special place in his heart for each and every one of you. He watched you grow up and hone your talents and beamed like a new father whenever he spoke of you. A classically trained concert pianist himself , as well as a stage actor and singer , the best way you can memorialize Bob is to lend your support and patronage to the thing he loved most dearly , THE ARTS. Please take the money you would have spent on flowers or donations and use your butt to fill a seat at a local theatre , buy an album from a local musician , or purchase a painting or photograph by a local artist . Get out and support and enjoy the arts! More importantly, live your life with as much love as humanly possible. Bob would be the first to tell you, " only love is real ". The celebration of Bob's life will be held at Trinity Episcopal Church in Guthrie, ok. The family would ask that you wear blue in honor of Bob. Robert's family made the generous gift of donating his body to science for medical research, innovation and education through United Tissue Network, a non-profit medical technology and education focused entity. UTN's mission is to empower people who want to make a difference through whole-body donation by uniting them with professionals dedicated to the advancement of medical technology, training and education. If you are interested in this type of program for yourself or a family member please contact us at (405) 488-3848. It will be our honor to provide you with all the information needed to make an informed and generous decision about donation. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Robert Smith please visit our Sympathy Store.