Smith, Robert L. 'Bob'

Other Events and Attributes:

• Reference Number: SMIT.R005
• _FGRAVE: 20756075
• Military Service: World War II, Private First Class, Company F, 158th 'Bushmasters' Infantry Regiment, 45th Infantry Division, United States Army

Notes:

Military Service:
Entered active service as a draftee on August 3, 1944 at Chicago, Illinois. Completed basic training and qualified as a Rifleman, military occupational specialty 745. Departed the U.S. on February 15, 1945 bound for the Pacific Theater of Operatations. Assigned to and served with Company F, 158th 'Bushmasters' Infantry Regiment, operating separately as a unit in that theater, through the Luzon and Southern Philippine Islands Campaigns and into the occupation of Japan when the war endedd. Earned the Combat Infantryman Badge, Good Conduct Medal, American Campaign Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with 2 bronze battle stars, WWII Victory Medal, Army of Occupation Medal (Japan) and the Philippine Liberation Medal with 1 bronze battle star. Honorably discharged as a Private First Class on August 16, 1946 at the separation center, Fort Sheridan, Illinois.

This information has been posted on the National World War II Memorial's Registry of Remembrances website by Robert Medley Gatewood. It is entered here with his permission.

Source: https://wwiiregistry.abmc.gov/honoree-plaque/?honoree_id=2004753

Robert married Eastin, Belva Lee on 27 Oct 1950. Belva (daughter of Eastin, Leo Casey and Tooley, Mary Ellen 'Ellie') was born on 17 Jul 1930 in Clay City, Clay County, Illinois; died on 7 Jul 2011 in Flora Gardens Care Center, Flora, Clay County, Illinois; was buried in Clay City Cemetery, Clay City, Clay County, Illinois. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Reference Number: SMIT.J030
• _FGRAVE: 239893204

Notes:

anice E. Smith, 70, of Clay City passed away at 11:42 am. Friday, May 20, 2022 at her home in Clay City.

Janice was born on March 27, 1952, in Flora, Illinois, the daughter of Robert L. and Belva Lee (Eastin) Smith.

She graduated from Clay City High School and worked various jobs over the years, such as a butcher, a day-care provider for 22 years, and a cook for the K & R Cafe in Louisville and Heritage Woods. Janice loved to be around her family. In her daycare she raised close to 200 kids over the years. Janice was a collector of Beanie Babies and NASCAR memorabilia, as well as being an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan. She loved traveling, playing cards, and was notorious for spoiling the young and the old.

Janice was a member of the Clay City Christian Church, Clay City American Legion Auxiliary, and Clay County Daycare Association.

Janice is survived by her uncle, Marvin Martin of Flora, numerous cousins, friends, and her daycare kids.

She was preceded in death by her parents and grandparents.

Memorial services honoring the life of Janice will be held at 12 noon on Tuesday, May 31, 2022, at the Clay City Christian Church with Doyle Williams officiating. Burial will follow at the Clay City Cemetery. Visitation will be held Tuesday morning at the church where friends may call from 10:00 am to 12 noon.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Janice's memory to the Clay County Cancer Crusaders and will be accepted through the funeral home. The McGriff & Triplett Funeral Home in Flora is entrusted with the arrangements.