Robert C. Smith's Obituary
The family of Robert Charles Smith, age 83, is sorry to announce that Robert passed away in Muskegon, MI, on Tuesday, October 7, 2025. He was born in Muskegon on June 28, 1942, to Robert and Eva (Stitt) Smith. He graduated from Muskegon Heights High School and went on to serve in the U.S. Army and then in the Army Reserves for many years. On September 20, 1980, he married the former Marjorie Kampstra, and the two of them spent 45 wonderful years together. In the early stages of his career he built training systems for various organizations, and then he worked as a manager of the auto department at JC Penny’s for some time before finishing his career by working as a general contractor. Even after he retired he still loved working with his hands, particularly repairing lamps and doing other minor home repair work. He enjoyed reading, had a good sense of humor, and loved playing with his German shepherd, Vixen. Bob loved to make himself useful and was always willing to help however he could. More than anything he cherished spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren.
Robert will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Marjorie Smith; five children: Leasha (Mike) Johnson, Robert (Kathleen) Smith III, Ryan (Becky) Smith, Lee (Randy) Wilcox, and Randy (Trish) Smith; 13 grandchildren: Jennifer, Stephanie, Kristina, Robert IV, Sara, Jacqueline, Joshua, Amber, Valerie, Kyle, Gavin, Jacob, and Cameron; 11 great-grandchildren; and two sisters: Evelyn and Claudia. He was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters, Brenda and Patricia.
MILITARY HONORS for Robert will be held at 1:00 PM on Friday, October 17, 2025, at The Sytsema Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 737 Apple Ave, Muskegon, MI, 49442. A MEMORIAL VISITATION will take place immediately afterwards until 3:00 PM. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the American Cancer Society.
What’s your fondest memory of Robert?
What’s a lesson you learned from Robert?
Share a story where Robert's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Robert you’ll never forget.
How did Robert make you smile?
