Robert Maurice Smith

Robert Maurice Smith, 79, of Aberdeen, passed away Sunday, February 23, 2014, at Avera St. Luke's Hospital in Aberdeen.

His memorial service will be 10:30 a.m., Friday, February 28, 2014, at Schriver's Memorial Mortuary and Crematory, 414 5th Avenue NW, Aberdeen, with Father Shane Stevens presiding. A luncheon and time of fellowship will immediately follow the service at Schriver's Memorial Fellowship Center.

It was Robert's wishes to be cremated with interment taking place at Sacred Heart Cemetery in Aberdeen at a later date.

Visitation will be 5-7 p.m., Thursday, and one hour prior to the service on Friday, all at the mortuary.

Robert Maurice Smith was born on October 5, 1934, to Morris and Ella (Metzinger) Smith in Aberdeen, SD. This is the area where he was raised and attended school, graduating from Aberdeen Central High School with the Class of 1952. Robert enlisted in the United States Army and served his country from 1954 until 1956, part of which time was spent stationed in Germany. After receiving his Honorable Discharge, Robert returned to Aberdeen, where he attended Northern State College. He then began employment with the Internal Revenue Service in 1959.

Robert was united in marriage to Gloria (Lapka) Smith on September 3, 1960, in Leola, SD. The couple made Aberdeen their home and Robert continued what would become a 30-year career with the I.R.S. before retiring in October of 1987.

Robert loved spending time outdoors and in his spare time enjoyed gardening, hunting, and fishing.

Grateful to have shared in Robert's life is his wife, Gloria Smith of Aberdeen; five siblings: Bonnie (Rich) LaBay of Aberdeen, Kenny (Donna) Smith of Sioux City, IA, Julie Sharp of Aberdeen, Kathy (William) Decker of Greenfield, WI, and Doug (Kristi) Smith of Sioux Falls, SD; one brother-in-law, Kenneth Lapka of Woodland, CA; one sister-in-law, Janice (Jim) Thornton of Prior Lake, MN; and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

Robert's parents preceded him in death.