Dr. Robert Edmund Smith ’59

We are saddened to inform you that Dr. Robert Edmund Smith passed away on June 28th, 2018.

After graduating from Illinois Wesleyan, Bob attended Washington University Dental School. Bob practiced dentistry in Arcola, starting in 1963. He was a mainstay on Main Street until his retirement in 2006. He was a lifetime member of the Arcola First Christian, where he held many leadership positions through the years as well as playing the organ. Bob was a charter member of the Arcola Foundation Board, where he served for 33 years. He was chairman for the last 28 years of his tenure. Bob was proud of the work done by the foundation and the scholarships awarded to many Arcola graduates. To honor his many years of community involvement, Bob, along with Natalie, was a grand marshal for the 2006 Broom Corn Festival.

Bob cared deeply about everyone; family, friends, and new acquaintances. This was exemplified recently at Barnes Jewish Hospital, when many of the nurses would make a visit to Bob the first stop of their morning routines. Bob took the time to ask questions and remembered everyone’s stories.

View his full obituary here.

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