Robert Smithey

MCCLURE, Ill. -- Robert Stanley Smithey Sr., 87, of McClure died Tuesday, Dec. 20, 2005, at Southeast Missouri Hospital in Cape Girardeau.

He was born May 9, 1918, in Tamms, Ill., son of Joseph and Stella Durham Smithey. He and Rose L. "Biddle" Randol were married Dec. 23, 1939, in Jackson. She preceded him in death Dec. 27, 2002.

Smithey was a salesman 25 years with Singer Sewing Machine, and retired in 1985 as a custodian with Cape Girardeau Schools. He was a member of McClure United Pentecostal Church, and a former board member, songleader, Sunday school teacher, Sunday school superintendent, and church custodian. He was a 32nd Degree member of Anna Masonic Lodge.

Survivors include a son, Robert Smithey Jr. of Jonesboro, Ill.; five daughters, Alice Skiles of Belleville, Ill., Sharon Turner of Jackson, Carolyn Matlock of Granite City, Ill., Nancy and Donna Smithey of McClure; a brother, Charles Smithey of Jonesboro; 11 grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by four brothers and a sister.

Friends may call at Ford and Sons Mount Auburn Funeral Home from 4 to 8 p.m. today. A Masonic service will be held at 7.

The funeral will be at 1 p.m. at the funeral home, with the Rev. Doyle Randol officiating. Entombment will be in Cape County Memorial Park Mausoleum. Military rites will be conducted by Missouri Honors Team.