Mr. Robert M. Smith Sr, 87, of Rochester, passed away at 12:15 PM on Sunday, September 8 , 2019 at Elkhart Center for Hospice Care.

On June 28 , 1932, Robert Max Smith was born in Logansport.  He was the treasured son of  Rolland and Edna Clement Smith. During his formative years Bob rode horses beginning at age three.  His life passion of equine continued as he bought and sold his first pony.  Bob graduated from Rochester High School  in 1950.

In Rochester, Bob and Nancy Musselman were married on August, 27, 1951.  From their union came Robert Jr., Glendon, Holly, Scott and Brandon.

On January 27 , 1974, Bob married Barbara Lowery Scott.   From their union came Tracey.  Wendy and Julie were a special part of their blended family.  After nearly two decades of marriage sadly, Barbara passed away on January 24 , 1994.

Collaborating with Gene Smith from 1953 - 1959,  Bob presented Fulton County with the S & S Rodeo near City Park on West 11th Street. Rodeo enthusiasts could watch the Brahma bull riding, bronco riding and calf roping.  Over the decades he was a great supporter and contributor of the Fulton County 4-H Horse and Pony Club.

Bob along with Ray Smiley and Don Smiley were the co-founders of the National  Appaloosa Pony Club, Inc from 1953 - 1990.  With great pride Bob presented two world champion Appaloosas in 1963: Pawnee Warrior and Gun Hand.  He was a tack dealer selling at Strawtown Auction in Noblesville.  Bob was well known among the folks who attended the Shipshewana Livestock Auction, keeping friends on the cutting edge and stylish trends of tack for over 40 years.

An entrepreneur in 1968, Bob purchased Forest Farms Products.  He later added  Forest Farms Western Store to showcase tack and other farm related supplies.  National Gift Wrap was also found in this location.  After six years of operations, the devastation of the 1974 tornado reduced the building to rubble.  With resilience, Bob then transitioned his business to an auction style selling tack and western equipment at various equestrian shows and expositions for the next 20 years. Weekly auctions were held at the auction house north old US 31 where people loved to come and capture treasures. The annual Thanksgiving auctions were held at the fairground community building.   In 1995 he established Smith Saddlery in Rochester near the airport.  This offered a new dimension to  horse fanciers that would fly in and shop as well as those who would drive in from around the midwest.

Left to cherish Bob's memory are seven children: Robert M. Smith Jr. of Rochester, Glendon Wilson and husband Jeffery of Rochester, Holly Van Lue of Goshen, Scott Smith and wife Leah of Newburgh, Brandon Smith of Rochester, Tracey Schaeffner and husband Paul of Rochester, Wendy Bayona and husband Ramon of Simsbury, Conn;  grandchildren:  Amy Widman and husband Ray, Adam Wilson and wife Kathy, Aaron Wilson and wife Stephanie, Brook Conley and husband Brandon, Kimberly Baltazar and companion Rick Kobold, Nathan Kamp and wife Abby, Kelsey Smith, Kylie Smith, Autumn Schaeffner, Morgan Bayona, Lindsey Bayona, Mindy Malott, JT Malott;  great-grandchildren: Audrey, Mackenzie and Macie Widman,  Aiden and Evan Wilson, Luca Santella, Adrienne, Madelyn and Stella Conley, Sage, Brey and Vincent Baltazar, Carter, Bindie and Malachie Kamp, Taylor and Emerson Bowers;  and blended family, David Crisp and Rick Stough.

Preceding Robert in death are his parents,  Rolland and Edna Smith; wife Barbara Smith; infant brother Junior Smith in 1931,  age 11 months; step-daughter Julie Wirtz; grandchildren: infant Dylan Stough, July 1 , 1999, and Destiny Smith, August 7 , 2015.

A celebration of the life of  Mr. Robert M. Smith will be at 11:00 AM on Thursday , September 12 , 2019 in the Good Family Funeral Home, 1200 W. 18 ^th St., Rochester.  Pastor Jim Howard will officiate. Friends may visit with the family from 4-8 PM on Wednesday, September 11 , 2019 and one hour prior to the service in the funeral home.  Interment will be in the Citizens Cemetery.   Preferred memorials in lieu of flowers may be made to the Fulton County 4-H Horse and Pony Club.