Funeral services for Robert Ernest Smith, 91, of Vian, were held at 1 p.m. Monday, Jan. 13, 2025, at Vian Freewill Baptist Church. Burial followed at Box Cemetery in Vian, under the direction of Agent Mallory Martin Funeral Service, Inc.

Mr. Smith was born on Dec. 21, 1933, to William H. “Bill” and Elizabeth “Belle” Smith. He passed away on Jan. 8, 2025, at home surrounded by his loving family.

After graduating from Vian High School, he was drafted into the Army in 1954, where he was stationed in Germany. Upon returning home in 1956, he attended Connors State College before accepting a job in Tulsa.

He was married to Patsy Plunkett on Nov. 23, 1957.

Mr. Smith worked for Sequoyah County before he and Pat opened Rob’s Drive-In in April 1967, and sold it in 1993. They gave many high school students job opportunities throughout the years. He loved teasing, especially his grandchildren and telling them fish stories. The older ones loved going fishing with grandpa.

Survivors are his devoted wife of 67 years, Patsy (Plunkett) Smith; four daughters, Angelique Moser and Chris, Robbie Cato and Clinton, Shelly Stewart and Allen, and Kim Davis and Mike, all of Vian; nine grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; two sisters, Opal Woodrome of Wichita, Kan. and Gwen Collins and Paul of Skiatook; and other family members and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; grandson, Dillon Moser; three sisters, Dora Ann Smith, Irene Morris and JoWanna Skaggs; and three brothers, John “J.B.”, Odell and Vernon Smith.

Pallbearers were Chase Moser, Brandon Kennedy, Derek Kennedy, Ty Cato, Seth Stewart, and Jhett Barnes.

Honorary pallbearers were Jimmy Smith, Larry Smith, Richard Smith, Shane Morris, Darren Collins, and Keith Woodrome.