Robert "Bob" Edwin Smoker

Robert Edwin “Bob” Smoker, 82, of Elkhart, passed away on Sunday, March 12, 2023 at Memorial Hospital, South Bend after an extended illness. Bob was born on September 20, 1940 in Bronson, Michigan to the late Floyd E. and Lucille K. (Kibiloski) Smoker.  He married the former Charlotte A. Jessup on September 23, 1961. Surviving is his loving wife of 61 years, Charlotte A. Smoker; three children, Debra A. (Ken Canen) Murphy, Pamela L. (Thomas) Lantz and Michael R. (Jenifer) Smoker; seven grandchildren; Kyle (Allie), Lucas, Ben, Jessa Grace, Jake (Lantz) and Michael and Makenna ( Smoker); his sister Shirley A. Smoker, sister-in-laws Phyllis A. Smoker and Helen I.Jones, and brother-in-law Donald Jessup survive as well. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews he loved dearly.  A brother, Richard A. Smoker, preceded him in death.

Bob was a tool & die maker by trade and was the owner/operator, with Charlotte, of G & S Machine & Tool Inc. for 53 years. He, Charlotte, and their children, all worked at the shop over the years. He was a very hard worker, and his business was his life. When they could get away from work, they enjoyed vacations to Florida with family, trips to Gatlinburg, TN with friends, and trips to Albuquerque, NM to see grandchildren. He enjoyed boating, fishing, and camping. Bob loved cars. In particular, a beautiful 1976 blue Corvette. Bob was proud of his 1999 Town car he kept in pristine condition. Bob also taught blue printing and drafting at the EACC (Elkhart Area Career Center) when he was younger.

Bob was a man of great faith and a devout Catholic. He graduated from Bronson, MI High School and served as an altar boy at St. Mary’s of the Assumption Catholic Church. He attended St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church in Elkhart, until his illness prevented it. Bob was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend to many.  He will be deeply missed.

Friends may call from 5-8 p.m. Friday, March 17th, and 1 hour prior to the 12:00 p.m. Saturday March 18th, funeral service at Billings Funeral Home, 812 Baldwin St. Elkhart. Burial and graveside services will follow at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens, Osceola. A light lunch for fellowship will follow graveside service at Billings Funeral Home's Event Center. Bob’s family kindly request memorial donations in his name to either the Humane Society of Elkhart Co. or St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church. Condolences may be made online at www.billingsfuneralhome.com

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