Robert Lee Smith Obituary

Robert Lee Smith, age 83, passed peacefully into Eternal Life in Centennial, Colorado, on August 7, 2026.

Mr. Smith was born on August 9, 1942, in Detroit Michigan, the fourth of five children born to the union of James H. Smith Sr. and Roberta M. (Collins) Smith.

Mr. Smith attended Higginbotham Elementary School and was a proud graduate of Samuel C. Mumford High School, both in Detroit. Mr. Smith was proud of growing up and living in Detroit during the Motown years and cherished the memories of having friendships with some of the recording artists of that era.

After graduating high school, Mr. Smith joined the United States Air Force, serving four years of Active Duty at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base in Goldsborough NC, and at Cape Romanzof, Alaska. Mr. Smith continued his commitment to the Air Force by serving an additional three years as a reservist.

After his military service, Mr. Smith earned an Associate’s Degree in Accounting and began his career in the Accounting, Finance and Banking industry in Detroit. After relocating to Colorado in the 1970’s, he continued working in the same industry and ultimately retired after 24 years of service as a Financial Institutions Examiner for the State of Colorado.

Mr. Smith enjoyed cooking, bowling, golf and traveling the world after retirement. He had a conservative nature but had a “booming” laugh that announced his presence in any situation. He especially enjoyed bowling with his wife, sisters, sons and nephews, AKA The In-laws-and Out-Laws. In his later years, Mr. Smith especially enjoyed playing golf with his three sons.

Mr. Smith leaves to cherish his memory his wife, Ruth A. (Haugh) Smith of Aurora, Colorado; sons Darin W. Smith (Evelia), of Centennial Colorado; Damon L. Smith (Lisa), of Aurora, Colorado; James R. Smith (Paula), of Chandler Arizona; and daughter, Joi R. Smith of Springfield, Virginia.

Mr. Smith also leaves bonus children, Darell E. Stockton-Lewis of Redding, California; Kimberly J. Halpenny of Aurora, Colorado; and Patricia A. Keith (Scott) of Aurora Colorado.

Mr. Smith leaves seventeen grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and friends.

He is also survived by his sister, Wavey J. Williams, and brothers James H. Smith Jr. and Dwayne A. (Beschevia), all of Colorado Springs, Colorado.

Mr. Smith was preceded in death by his parents, James H. and Roberta M. Smith; sister Gail E. Walton; bonus son William E. Stockton,  bonus grandson Javier Mariscal J., and great granddaughter Auri M. Halpenny.

In recognition of Mr. Smith’s service in the United States Air Force, and at his request, the family will hold a brief Memorial Service at Fort Logan National Cemetery during which Mr. Smith will receive Full Military Honors. 

Donations in memory of Mr. Smith may be sent to the Alzheimer’s Association: Colorado Chapter, 3773 Cherry Creek N, Drive, # 700 Denver, Colorado 80209, or a charity of your choice.