Dr. Robert J. Smith, age 90, of Monroe, passed away on Sunday, November 6, 2011.
He was born on February 17th, 1921 in Stoughton to Robert and Clara Smith. He attended Stoughton High School and Carroll College. He graduated from Monroe College of Optometry in Chicago where he met his future wife, LaVerne Hines. He served in the Marine Corps and was a member of the United Methodist Church.
He began his Optometry career at the Chicago Eye, Ear, Nose, and Throat Hospital and worked 12 years at the Canfield Clinic in Rockford, Illinois; he transferred to the Monroe Clinic in Monroe, Wisconsin, where he served with distinction, rising to the position of Chief of Optometry. "Doc Bob," as he was fondly called, retired from the Monroe Clinic after 36 years at age 76.
As a distinguished Life Member of the Lions Club for 50 years, "Doc Bob" served in numerous capacities, including as President of the Local Board, member of the District Board of Directors, and as District Song Leader. He received the Melvin Jones Fellow Award for Dedicated Humanitarian Services for the Lions Clubs International Foundation. His community work with the Lions Club included performing at the annual Minstrel Show, which helped collect resources for their eyecare charities.
He is survived by his loving wife, LaVerne; his five children: Christine (Kerry), Jeanne, Sandy (Roger), Karl (Lisa), Lynda (Duane); five grandchildren: Megan (Tim), Ryan (Jennifer), Lindzy, Eric, Tajah; and two great-grandchildren: Sam, Alaina.
He was preceded in death by two sisters, Roberta and Bernice, and by his grandson Justice.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, November 11, 2011 at the Newcomer Funeral Home, Monroe . Private family burial will follow in Greenwood Cemetery, Monroe. Visitation will be at the funeral home on Friday from 1:00 p.m. until the time of service. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Monroe Lions Club for their continued eyecare charity work (Vision Screening Program, District Eyecare, Leader Dog Program, etc.). Donations can be sent to: Monroe Lions Club, P.O. Box 373, Monroe, WI 53566. To send an expression of sympathy go to www.newcomerfuneralhome.net.
He was born on February 17th, 1921 in Stoughton to Robert and Clara Smith. He attended Stoughton High School and Carroll College. He graduated from Monroe College of Optometry in Chicago where he met his future wife, LaVerne Hines. He served in the Marine Corps and was a member of the United Methodist Church.
He began his Optometry career at the Chicago Eye, Ear, Nose, and Throat Hospital and worked 12 years at the Canfield Clinic in Rockford, Illinois; he transferred to the Monroe Clinic in Monroe, Wisconsin, where he served with distinction, rising to the position of Chief of Optometry. "Doc Bob," as he was fondly called, retired from the Monroe Clinic after 36 years at age 76.
As a distinguished Life Member of the Lions Club for 50 years, "Doc Bob" served in numerous capacities, including as President of the Local Board, member of the District Board of Directors, and as District Song Leader. He received the Melvin Jones Fellow Award for Dedicated Humanitarian Services for the Lions Clubs International Foundation. His community work with the Lions Club included performing at the annual Minstrel Show, which helped collect resources for their eyecare charities.
He is survived by his loving wife, LaVerne; his five children: Christine (Kerry), Jeanne, Sandy (Roger), Karl (Lisa), Lynda (Duane); five grandchildren: Megan (Tim), Ryan (Jennifer), Lindzy, Eric, Tajah; and two great-grandchildren: Sam, Alaina.
He was preceded in death by two sisters, Roberta and Bernice, and by his grandson Justice.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, November 11, 2011 at the Newcomer Funeral Home, Monroe . Private family burial will follow in Greenwood Cemetery, Monroe. Visitation will be at the funeral home on Friday from 1:00 p.m. until the time of service. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Monroe Lions Club for their continued eyecare charity work (Vision Screening Program, District Eyecare, Leader Dog Program, etc.). Donations can be sent to: Monroe Lions Club, P.O. Box 373, Monroe, WI 53566. To send an expression of sympathy go to www.newcomerfuneralhome.net.