Mr. Robert C. “Schmeltzie” Smith, 65, of Hanna, IN, died at 5:33 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2009, at LaPorte Hospital.
He was born Aug. 10, 1944, in Hanna to Clarence and Mamie (Green) Smith.
Mr. Smith was a Union machinist with McGill Manafacturing in Valparaiso for 30 years. He was a U.S. Army veteran (Vietnam), having served from 1968 to 1969. He was a member of Hanna American Legion Post 472, LaPorte County Vouiture 40&8 and LaPorte County Vietnam Veterans, and was a former Hanna Township firefighter.
He was married to Kathleen Leahy, with whom he had his children.
He leaves behind one daughter, Susan Masterson of LaPorte, four sons, Thomas Masterson of LaPorte, David (Lilly) Masterson of Rolling Prairie, Robert Smith of LaPorte and William Smith of Hanna; six grandchildren; one sister, Pat (John) Yeoman of Defiance, OH; one brother, Ed (Jeanne) Smith of Union Mills; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents and one grandson.
A funeral service will be held Saturday, Oct. 31, at 1 p.m. at Essling Funeral Home, LaPorte, with Rev. Steve Laue officiating. Visitation will be held Friday, Oct. 30, from 4 to 8 p.m. and Saturday from noon to 1 p.m. Burial will be in Hanna Cemetery, where a military graveside service will be conducted.
Memorial contributions may be made to Hanna American Legion Post 472, 2852 W. 800 S., Union Mills, IN 46382.
Family and friends may sign their condolences at www.esslingfuneralhome.com.
