Robert J. Smithers

Robert J. Smithers, age 84, passed away surrounded by his loving wife and family on Thursday, January 20, 2011 at Avalon by Otterbein in Monclova. He was the only child of Robert and Helen (King) Smithers, born at home on January 16, 1927 in Bad Axe, Michigan. He attended Wernert Elementary and Macomber Vocational School. Robert's true passion in life was cars, he worked for a number of years as an auto body repairman and he also helped others repair their cars. He participated in stock car racing both as a driver and owner, and was an avid fan all of his life. It was during this time that he made many friends in the racing world. Robert enjoyed restoring antique cars and was especially proud of his red GMC pick-up truck. One of his fondest memories was racing on the beach at Daytona Beach. Robert was a long time member of Redeemer Community Church on Wernert's Corner.

Left to cherish his memory is his loving wife of 36 years, Trude M. (Trinckler) Smithers; children, Robert M. (Lisa) Smithers, Melissa (Jim) Weber, Donald (Rose) Koch and Kristine (Kenneth) Wagner; grandchildren, Scott, Sandra, Anthony, Rachel, Jacob, Tammy, Donald and Ali; great-grandchildren, Samantha, Sarah, Jacob and Aydan. Preceding him in death were his parents.

The family will receive guests Friday from 2-8:00 p.m. and also Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Newcomer Funeral Home, 4150 W. Laskey Rd. (419-473-0300). Funeral Services will begin at 11:30 a.m. in the funeral home. Interment will follow in Toledo Memorial Park.

Memorial Contributions may be made to Muscular Dystrophy Association, National Headquarters, 3300 E. Sunrise Drive, Tucson, AZ 85718.