Robert Carl Smyth, 89 of Warren, passed away Thursday, August 17, 2017 at Heritage Pointe, Warren, In. Bob was born April 11, 1928 in Detroit, Mi. to Carl and Mae (Kreischer) Smyth. He lived his formative years in Bellville, near Warren, where his parents owned and operated the Bellville Mill. Bob graduated from Jefferson Township High School in 1946, where he was point guard for the basketball team, and was class president. He started his college education at Purdue University eventually transferring to the University of Cincinnati for the coop program in industrial design. He was a member of the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity.
On August 30, 1953, Bob and Nancy Gebhart were united in marriage at the Congregational Christian Church, Warren now the United Church of Christ. Following graduation from the University of Cincinnati Bob entered the Air Force pilot training where, as a captain, he flew T-33 Single Engine jet, and F-100 Super Sabre Jet aircraft. While stationed in Las Vegas, Nevada he was assigned to a radar site on Mount Charleston that overlooked the yucca flats where he and Nancy were able to watch the atomic bomb testing that was taking place.
After leaving the service Bob accepted a job with Endicott Church Furniture in Warsaw, Indiana. He owned and operated Smyth Manufacturing, and eventually retired from Shuttleworth, Inc, Huntington, In. After retirement, Bob and Nancy opened Handcrafters Marketplace in Warren, which was a crafts store that featured the work of local artisans. In addition, Bob was an avid volunteer and board member of the Pulse Opera House, Warren.
Bob loved life and his family. He lived his life with unbridled curiosity and infectious optimism. An avid reader, Bob was always good for an inspirational quote, or a good story. Later in life Bob enjoyed walking their retired racing greyhound, Russell, whom he said taught him many things about life. He was always very proud of all their children, Cynthia (Ron) Smyth-Wartzok, Warren, Todd Smyth, Bethesda. Md, Steve (Janice) Smyth, St Louis, Mo, and Chad (Stephanie) Smyth, Larwill, and six grandchildren.
Family and friends may gather to share and remember Bob at the United Church of Christ, 202 E 2nd St, Warren, IN on Sunday, August 20, 2017 from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM.
A service to celebrate his life will be at the United Church of Christ, Monday, August 21, 2017 at 10:00 AM with Scott Nedberg officiating. Interment will follow in the Woodlawn Cemetery, Warren. Graveside Military rites will be conducted by the United States Air Force.
Preferred memorials: To the Pulse Opera House, P. O. Box 631, Warren, In 46792.
Arrangements are being handled by Glancy- H. Brown and Sons, Warren, In .
Online condolences may be made at www.glancyfuneralhomes.com