Obituaries
Robert "Bob" C. Smith
June 24, 2025
Robert “Bob” Charles Smith, age 82 and lifelong resident of Norwalk, passed away peacefully at his home with family on Tuesday, June 24, 2025. Bob was born on June 29, 1942 in Norwalk to the late Sylvester C. and Loretta (Shibley) Smith, becoming the newest member of the large Smith family of Monroeville and Shibley family of Norwalk. A few years later, his little sister Shirley was born and they were a perfect family of four.
Bob graduated from St. Paul High School in 1960. After graduation, he was active with the Knights of Columbus and Boy Scout Troop #234. He followed in his father’s footsteps by working at Norwalk Furniture (then known as Norwalk Upholstery) on Newton Street, eventually moving from an assembler to a supervisor—a job he truly enjoyed.
In 1964, Bob married the love of his life, Phyllis Jane Armstrong, whom he met while she worked at the local soda counter. Together, they worked to accomplish her goal of becoming an RN.
In addition to his full-time job, he became an Ohio Peace Officer in 1972 and joined the Huron County Sheriff’s Department, serving for over 20 years as a special deputy and many years as a captain. Simultaneously, he became a volunteer firefighter in Norwalk alongside other family members, serving many years with the department.
Bob was committed to his Catholic faith, his family, his friends, his work, and his community. He was a family man who always cared for those around him, often mowing a neighbor’s yard, shoveling their sidewalk, or just stopping by for a visit. He and Phyllis enjoyed their many friends and family through the years. He fondly recalled summers at Valley Beach, many vacations, and plenty of crazy stories (usually caused by Phyllis).
They have one daughter, Beth, whom he sometimes spoiled. She married John McFadden Jr., and Bob and Phyllis became part of John’s big loving family. There was always a fun gathering to attend.
Bob held a special place in his heart for his grandchildren, picking them up from school and getting ice cream, as well as attending their many sporting and school events. He watched them grow over the years and was very proud of them.
He retired from Norwalk Furniture after 43 years, just shy of the 45 years his father worked at the company. In his retirement, he enjoyed his high school class luncheons and going out for breakfast. He especially enjoyed the company of his lifelong friends, Darryl and Jim. For those who knew him, he will be missed.
Bob and Phyllis were married for 52 years at the time of her death in 2017.
He is survived by his daughter, Beth (John) McFadden of Norwalk; four grandchildren, Josh, Devin, Madison, and Colin; great-grandsons, Ledger and Griffin McFadden; and sister, Shirley (LeMoyne) Mercer of Toledo.
There will be no visitation or services, and a private interment will be held at St. Paul Catholic Cemetery. Arrangements are entrusted to the Evans Funeral Home, 314 E. Main Street, Norwalk.
Robert "Bob" C. Smith
June 24, 2025
Robert “Bob” Charles Smith, age 82 and lifelong resident of Norwalk, passed away peacefully at his home with family on Tuesday, June 24, 2025. Bob was born on June 29, 1942 in Norwalk to the late Sylvester C. and Loretta (Shibley) Smith, becoming the newest member of the large Smith family of Monroeville and Shibley family of Norwalk. A few years later, his little sister Shirley was born and they were a perfect family of four.
Bob graduated from St. Paul High School in 1960. After graduation, he was active with the Knights of Columbus and Boy Scout Troop #234. He followed in his father’s footsteps by working at Norwalk Furniture (then known as Norwalk Upholstery) on Newton Street, eventually moving from an assembler to a supervisor—a job he truly enjoyed.
In 1964, Bob married the love of his life, Phyllis Jane Armstrong, whom he met while she worked at the local soda counter. Together, they worked to accomplish her goal of becoming an RN.
In addition to his full-time job, he became an Ohio Peace Officer in 1972 and joined the Huron County Sheriff’s Department, serving for over 20 years as a special deputy and many years as a captain. Simultaneously, he became a volunteer firefighter in Norwalk alongside other family members, serving many years with the department.
Bob was committed to his Catholic faith, his family, his friends, his work, and his community. He was a family man who always cared for those around him, often mowing a neighbor’s yard, shoveling their sidewalk, or just stopping by for a visit. He and Phyllis enjoyed their many friends and family through the years. He fondly recalled summers at Valley Beach, many vacations, and plenty of crazy stories (usually caused by Phyllis).
They have one daughter, Beth, whom he sometimes spoiled. She married John McFadden Jr., and Bob and Phyllis became part of John’s big loving family. There was always a fun gathering to attend.
Bob held a special place in his heart for his grandchildren, picking them up from school and getting ice cream, as well as attending their many sporting and school events. He watched them grow over the years and was very proud of them.
He retired from Norwalk Furniture after 43 years, just shy of the 45 years his father worked at the company. In his retirement, he enjoyed his high school class luncheons and going out for breakfast. He especially enjoyed the company of his lifelong friends, Darryl and Jim. For those who knew him, he will be missed.
Bob and Phyllis were married for 52 years at the time of her death in 2017.
He is survived by his daughter, Beth (John) McFadden of Norwalk; four grandchildren, Josh, Devin, Madison, and Colin; great-grandsons, Ledger and Griffin McFadden; and sister, Shirley (LeMoyne) Mercer of Toledo.
There will be no visitation or services, and a private interment will be held at St. Paul Catholic Cemetery. Arrangements are entrusted to the Evans Funeral Home, 314 E. Main Street, Norwalk.