Obituary: Smathers, Robert Louis, Sr., “Bob”
Age 75
Bob was born in Waynesville, North Carolina July 27, 1938.
During these early years with his first wife Barbara, Bob worked several jobs.
He worked for Western Prematic Tube Company in Seattle, the U.S.
Postal Service, and as a mechanic in a service station.
During this time, he also attended carpentry school at night with his younger brother Fred.
In 1964, Bob and Barbara divorced and shortly thereafter Barbara moved from Seattle to Spokane with the four children.
Bob followed a few months later to stay close to his children.
In 1967 Bob married Lucille Kelley.
Bob and Lucy moved to a house and acreage on Little Spokane River Drive in north Spokane the year after they married.
It was in Spokane where Bob started his building career in 1975.
He supervised the construction of the Cavanaugh’s Landing hotel near downtown Spokane.
He built hundreds of homes during his career.
Bob built several retirement homes in Spokane and Clarkston, several Burger King Restaurants in Astoria, Seattle and Spokane and some mini-malls, and storage facilities in Spokane among many other projects.
Bob’s motto was quality.
Bob’s hobbies were bowling, playing cards, golfing on Fridays and watching football.
Bob was a 40 year member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles and bowling was the activity he most enjoyed as an Eagle member.
Playing cards was also a favorite pastime of Bobs.
Bob is survived by his wife Lucy, his children Robert Jr. of Moscow, Idaho and wife Suzanne, Donald of Pinehurst, Idaho and wife Tammy, Janice Smathers of Post Falls, Idaho, Laurie Smathers of Post Falls, Idaho, Gena Smathers of Spokane and step children Linda Kelley of Eugene Oregon, Terry Kelley of Elk Washington and wife Sandy, and Lisa Kelley of Spokane.
Bob is also survived by his 13 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren along with his brother Fred Smathers and wife Grace of Granite Falls, Washington, and sister Betty Berger of Marysville, Washington.
Preceding him in death were his parents Glenn and Teeny Smathers, brother Charles Smathers and sister Louise Erickson.
A Graveside Service will be held 11:00AM Wednesday, July 24, 2013 at Riverside Memorial Park, 508 N. Government Way, Spokane.