Robert Bruce Smith, 83, of 5965 Buffalo Rd. in Galien, died at 3 a.m. Friday, Dec. 25, 2009 at home of natural causes.

He was born April 25, 1926 in Kessington, Mich. He lived in Galien for many years.
He married Dolores I. Smith on Aug. 21, 1948 in Buchanan. She preceded him in death on Feb. 25, 2007.

Robert was a U.S. Army veteran (1946-1948); member of Moose Lodge 449; and member of Portage Prairie United Methodist Church. He was retired from Wickes, Buchanan Co-ops and Galien Township schools, sexton at Portage Prairie Mt. Zion and French Cemetery.

He is survived by his son, Robert Smith of Buchanan; daughters, Jacki (James) Bergerson of Niles, Becke (Ken) Lockamy of Galien, Peggy (Dan) Walter of Buchanan and Barbara Smith of Galien; brother, Vinson (Mary Ann) Smith of Palm Coast, Fla.; sisters, Phyllis Smith of Homossas, Fla., and Patsy Forge of Mishawaka; 13 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.

Services will be held at 1 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 30, 2009 at Portage Prairie United Methodist Church of Niles with the Rev. Tom Fox of Homer Michigan United Methodist Church officiating.

Friends may call from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 30 at the church.

Memorials may be sent to Portage Prairie United Methodist Church.