Robert “Bob” Lee Smith, 82, of Odessa, Missouri, passed away on March 18, 2026. Born May 5, 1943, in Mound City to Mart and Alberta Smith, Bob graduated with the Mound City High School Class of 1961 and earned a degree in Agricultural Economics from the University of Missouri.
Visitation will be held from 11:00a.m. to 12:00p.m., Monday, March 23, 2026, at the Mt. Tabor United Methodist Church, 12507 Mt. Tabor Road, Odessa, Missouri, 64076. A Funeral Service will follow at 12:00p.m., Mt. Tabor United Methodist Church, 12507 Mt. Tabor Road, Odessa, Monday. Interment will follow at Mount Tabor Cemetery in Odessa, Missouri. In Lieu of flowers, Mount Tabor Cemetery Association. Memories of Bob and condolences for his family may be left at www.LedfordFamilyFH.com or on our Facebook Page. Arrangements have been entrusted to Ralph O. Jones Funeral Home, 306 South Second Street, Odessa, Missouri 64076, 816-633-5524.
In 1962, he married Margo Cobb, beginning a lifelong partnership of more than sixty years. Bob worked for MFA and Shelter Insurance before serving as Vice President of Ellison Appraisal. He later founded Storm Appraisal & Management Services, contracted with Farmers Insurance and several smaller companies. He was a Gold Pin member of CIC for 20 years, chaired the Fraud Committee, and served on multiple professional boards, including NABA and SCRS.
A devoted drag racing enthusiast, Bob owned one of the 50 Super 69 Stock AMXs built by Bill Rodekopf Motors and ran a fuel dragster with Ron Martin. He also built motors for pulling trucks and tractors. He enjoyed fishing and treasured playing golf with his daughter.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents; his daughter, Kimberly; his sister Coleen King and her husband Bill; his in‑laws Frank, Ella, and Roda Cobb; and his brother‑in‑law Dan Cobb. He is survived by his wife, Margo; daughter number two; Teresa Bolton and her husband Rodney, numerous sisters‑ and brothers‑in‑law; and many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.
He will be remembered for his humor, generosity, craftsmanship, and his lifelong passion for anything with an engine.
Source: KMZU, The Farm
