Robert Norton Smith |
| 2/1/2019 |
Robert N. Smith, 88, of Anderson died on February 1, 2019 at St. Vincent’s Medical Center.
He was born on November 1, 1930, in Cleveland, OH, to Joseph and Dorothy (Norton) Smith.
He married Marilyn Harrison in West Plains, MO, on August 18, 1951.
He earned his B.S. degree from Anderson College in 1953, and went on to teach Speech, Drama, and Biology in Cullman, AL. He then taught English, Speech, and Drama at Fairview High School, in Fairview Park, OH, earning a MA degree from Kent State University in 1961. He finished his teaching career at Anderson University as a full professor of Speech and Drama and director of the Drama Program.
Robert served on many committees and task forces at Park Place Church of God and was an active member of the sanctuary choir for nearly 50 years. He also participated as a baritone in The Magic City Music Men (Barbershop Harmony Society) in Muncie, IN. He and Marilyn loved to travel, usually with fellow alumni and colleagues through the Tri-S Program at AU.
He is survived by his four children, Timothy (Linda) Smith of Columbus, OH; Roberta Ponce of Fairborn, OH; Gregory (Sherry) of Canton, OH; Jennifer (Stephen) Davis of New Haven, CT; 11 grandchildren, Timothy (Jennifer) Ponce, of Kuwait, Amy (Brent) White of Fayetteville, NC, Kristin (Cody) Baker of Osceola, IN, Nathan (Heather) Smith of Columbus, OH, Katharina (Alex) Proft of Gross-Zimmern, Germany, Lewis (Esme) Smith of Vallejo, CA, Cameron (Rose) Smith of San Antonio, TX, Evanleigh Davis of Northampton, MA, Isaac Smith of Canton, OH, Harrison Davis of Atlanta, GA, and Rowyn Davis of New Haven, CT; great-grandchildren, Austin, David, Lauren, Nora, Timmy, Marcus, Claralyn, Eden, Keilana-Jazzlyn, and Charlie-Grace.
He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, Marilyn; brother, Thomas; grandson, Aaron, and great-grandson, Thomas.
Funeral service will be held at 11:00 am Wednesday, February 6 at Park Place Church of God, with Drs. David Markle and David Coolidge officiating. Burial will take place at East Maplewood Cemetery.
Visitation will be from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm on Tuesday, February 5, at Rozelle-Johnson Funeral Service and one hour prior to the funeral Wednesday at the church.
Memorial Contributions may be given to Anderson University or Park Place Church of God. Post online condolences at www.rozelle-johnson.com.
Rozelle-Johnson Funeral Service handled the funeral arrangements.
Post online condolences at www.rozelle-johnson.com.
He was born on November 1, 1930, in Cleveland, OH, to Joseph and Dorothy (Norton) Smith.
He married Marilyn Harrison in West Plains, MO, on August 18, 1951.
He earned his B.S. degree from Anderson College in 1953, and went on to teach Speech, Drama, and Biology in Cullman, AL. He then taught English, Speech, and Drama at Fairview High School, in Fairview Park, OH, earning a MA degree from Kent State University in 1961. He finished his teaching career at Anderson University as a full professor of Speech and Drama and director of the Drama Program.
Robert served on many committees and task forces at Park Place Church of God and was an active member of the sanctuary choir for nearly 50 years. He also participated as a baritone in The Magic City Music Men (Barbershop Harmony Society) in Muncie, IN. He and Marilyn loved to travel, usually with fellow alumni and colleagues through the Tri-S Program at AU.
He is survived by his four children, Timothy (Linda) Smith of Columbus, OH; Roberta Ponce of Fairborn, OH; Gregory (Sherry) of Canton, OH; Jennifer (Stephen) Davis of New Haven, CT; 11 grandchildren, Timothy (Jennifer) Ponce, of Kuwait, Amy (Brent) White of Fayetteville, NC, Kristin (Cody) Baker of Osceola, IN, Nathan (Heather) Smith of Columbus, OH, Katharina (Alex) Proft of Gross-Zimmern, Germany, Lewis (Esme) Smith of Vallejo, CA, Cameron (Rose) Smith of San Antonio, TX, Evanleigh Davis of Northampton, MA, Isaac Smith of Canton, OH, Harrison Davis of Atlanta, GA, and Rowyn Davis of New Haven, CT; great-grandchildren, Austin, David, Lauren, Nora, Timmy, Marcus, Claralyn, Eden, Keilana-Jazzlyn, and Charlie-Grace.
He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, Marilyn; brother, Thomas; grandson, Aaron, and great-grandson, Thomas.
Funeral service will be held at 11:00 am Wednesday, February 6 at Park Place Church of God, with Drs. David Markle and David Coolidge officiating. Burial will take place at East Maplewood Cemetery.
Visitation will be from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm on Tuesday, February 5, at Rozelle-Johnson Funeral Service and one hour prior to the funeral Wednesday at the church.
Memorial Contributions may be given to Anderson University or Park Place Church of God. Post online condolences at www.rozelle-johnson.com.
Rozelle-Johnson Funeral Service handled the funeral arrangements.
Post online condolences at www.rozelle-johnson.com.