Robert Jay Smith
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Robert Jay Smith “Smitty” beloved husband, father and “Papou,” born September 28, 1947 passed away peacefully on March 17, 2026.
Born in Kansas City, Missouri, he and his siblings Linda and Janet were raised in Independence by his devoted parents, Francis and Frances Smith. He graduated from Van Horn High School before enlisting in the United States Army, where he trained as a helicopter pilot flying Hueys and Cobras and served with the Outlaw/Maverick, 175th Combat Helicopter Unit. Bob served with distinction for one year in Vietnam, where he earned the Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal, and Silver and Bronze Stars. He continued his service in the Army National Guard, retiring honorably after 20 years as a dedicated veteran of the U.S. Army.
In civilian life, Bob built a successful career as an insurance agent, serving his clients with honesty and integrity. He was also deeply committed to serving his community, volunteering extensively with the Boy Scouts of America, the Optimist Club (where he served as President), and the Vietnam Helicopter Pilots Association (VHPA). As a founding and life member of the VHPA, he later served as its President, Reunion Chairman and as a member of the investment committee, helping preserve the bonds of friendship formed in warfare.
Bob was also very involved with keeping his high school classmates connected. He organized quarterly luncheons and served on reunion committees to help renew old friendships.
Bob’s greatest commitment was to his family. He shared 52 years of marriage with his wife, Meta, with whom he shared many travel adventures, both near and far. Together, they raised two sons, Brian and Chris Smith. He attended every sporting event, music recital, and scouting activity with dedication and devotion.
To his five grandchildren, Lillian, Rallis, Charlie, Cora and Frances, he was simply Papou, the grandfather who laughed easily, and always had a camera in hand to capture their antics and smiles.
Bob’s hobbies included photography, politics and investing in the stock market. He followed current events closely, and enjoyed tracking investments. These passions kept him engaged, informed and always eager to learn something new.
A memorial will be held May 2, 2026. There will be a visitation at 10:00 a.m. and memorial service 11a.m. with military honors immediately following at Aldersgate Methodist Church of the Resurrection in Lee’s Summit, MO.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to the South Missouri Vietnam Helicopter Pilots Association Scholarship Fund- College of the Ozarks(www.cofo.edu/Donate), Ronald McDonald House or to the Church of the Resurrection.
Robert Jay Smith flew through life with honor and landed it with grace. He will be forever remembered as our hero, husband, father, and friend-his light enduring in the lives he touched. Those who knew him will remember his gentle spirit, warmth and his love for life.
Meta I am so sorry for your loss.
Meta, Chris and Brian you are in my thoughts. Sending love to you.
He was an amazing man and I treasure the times he spent with us in Scouts. You, Brian and Chris are in my prayers.
Meta
I’m so sorry for your loss.
Wow guys, I’m so sorry. This is heavy on my heart. Be well.
I am so sorry for your loss. Bob was a great person and will be missed.
Meta, it was with great sadness that we learned this today. You & your family are in our prayers. We have so many great memories of all the fun times we had with you two. He was a great but very modest patriot.
Meta and Family, we are so very sorry for the loss of Bob. We always enjoyed being with you both when Christy was in town. Bob will be greatly missed. God bless you and your family. Joe and Maris
Meta, my heart goes out to you, your sons and family. We sure enjoyed being with you when we visited Char and Don and really had fun with you and Bob. He will be greatly missed.
Love to you,
Susan and Taron
FLY HIGH MY FALCON RIP
Meta, Bob was a great guy and Patriot, and will be missed by all. We have so many fond memories with you both – too many to mention. Our hearts and prayers are with you and your family.
I’m so sorry for your loss Meta! Bob is in a better place now and is no longer suffering. Our country lost a great man and warrior! 🌹🇺🇸
I remember the first we met in Mineral Texas at the Helicopter Pilots Reunion we became instead friends that turned into family .We planned every Reunion we could spend time together. Evvery year we had more fun than the yr before. He was our planner, always did his homework as they say, the best food, best beer, museums, history,was always a must .Not to mention we were the last ones to sleep and always up eoth the early birds.Had to get our walk in before breakfast.Camera alway around his neck ,Bob loved taking pictures of all of us some very candid I might add.To spend the day with Bob and Meta we diffenitely had to have the right shoes.We literally walked a mile in their shoes.Loved every minute .A lifetime of friendship snd so many memories I could write a book just on our 6 or 8 couples that spent the entire Reunion on Bob and Meta adventures.As I said so many I know ones of our favorite s was the black pickup ride from dinner and no taxi it was late of course Bob saw a pickup and ask the youngsters if they wanted yo make a few dollars and give us a ride back to our hotel. They said sure and made more than a few bucks. I will you Bob .Thank you for the memories.Fly high my friend .
Bob was a great guy and a Patriot. Condolences go out to his family. Bob will be missed.
I have never known anyone quite like Bob. He gave his whole heart to his family, his friends, and his country, living each day with purpose and making every moment count. He was truly extraordinary. To his wife, sons, and grandchildren, please accept my deepest and most heartfelt condolences.
Meta and Family,
Sorry for your loss, for such great man.
Brian Hubbard and Adriana Hubbard
You are in our hearts Meta. Bob made a strong impact on me as a young man. I am forever grateful for his kindness and guidance. May the peace of the Lord be with you, always.
Dear Meta, Brian, Chris & Family,
As we’re in Florida currently, we were reflecting on the fun visit and dinner we had at Parrot Key with you guys! We are so sad to hear of Bob’s passing. We treasure our very long friendship and fond memories. Hopefully, you find peace and comfort in all your precious memories. Please know you are constantly in our thoughts, hearts and prayers. Bob will be greatly missed! ❤️
Meta – I’m very sorry for your loss. I met Bob only once 10 years ago, but I know you were both very happy. We pray your faith will support you in your grief.
Rob & Pam Powell
Meta – My condolences to you and your family on your loss.
I know that your family and five lively grandchildren will bring
Lots of love and comfort during a sad time.
I’m very sorry for your loss, Meta. Sending you warm hugs of sympathy. ♥️ Gail
I am going to miss Bob so much
He never said no to me when I asked for help and was often my defender
I loved him like a brother.
There is a special place in Heaven for such a loving and special man.
Meta and family, you are in our thoughts and prayers. Regrettably, we will not be able to attend the memorial service for Bob as we will be out of state for our granddaughter’s graduation, with her Masters Degree from the University of Florida. But the friendship forged through the VHPA and the South Missouri Chapter of VHPA will always be treasured. Please stay in touch.
John & Liz Sorensen
My dear Meta and family, we were very sad to hear of Bob’s passing. We see pictures of all of us in Colorado and remember those wonderful times. He will be missed. He was a rare man who stole the hearts and respect of all.
Meta,
Thanks for friending me on Facebook, otherwise I may not have known about Bob.
Julie and I are so sorry to learn of Bob’s passing. I originally met Bob years ago when he was still at Shopen and then of course at Oliver where we became fast friends and trusted colleagues. We enjoyed many lunches together and he is responsible for introducing me to Chinese food. He also encouraged me to get season tickets to Starlight, so we got them for Thursdays, the same as you and Bob. I’ll always remember you generously offering your front row seats to one of my daughters so she could enjoy the show close-up. Also, I’ll always remember Bob’s planning activities for the VHPA reunions. I know he loved those times. Bob was very proud of Chris and Brian, and he talked about them often.
May God bless you and keep you and give you peace.
Bill and Julie Adams