Richard A. Smith

Richard “Dick” A. Smith, 91, of South Bend, IN, passed away Sunday, May 9, 2021 at his home surrounded by loving family. A child of the Depression era, Dick was born on May 4, 1930, weighing only 3.5 pounds, at Memorial Hospital in South Bend to the late Arden and Irene (Toth) Smith.

In 1950 in Rome, GA, Dick married Annie Ruth (Adams) Smith, and together they had two children, Gary and Terry Anne. Annie preceded Dick in death in 1964. In 1975, Dick married Sharon (May) Smith, who survives.

Also surviving are his daughter, Terry Anne (Tommy) Scheibelhut of South Bend, IN; son, Gary Smith of South Bend, IN; two stepdaughters, Tammy Thallas of Fort Meyers, FL, and Pam Rosebaum of LaPorte, IN; ten grandchildren; and fourteen great-grandchildren. In addition to his parents and first wife, Dick was preceded in death by his stepdaughter, Debby Clark.

Dick grew up in South Bend and graduated from South Bend Central High School in 1948. In his childhood years, he sang in the youth choir at St. Paul’s Methodist Church. After graduating from high school, Dick served for three years in the National Guard in the 35th division of Indiana. He achieved the rank of ACT staff sergeant and was a weapons instructor.  Later, he joined a military police unit in Indianapolis and was a member of a trophy-winning drill team.

Prior to owning his contracting company, Michiana Drywall, Dick worked for Studebaker before starting a career in construction trades. He worked mostly in the Niles, MI area, and helped organize UMW Niles Local, where he was the vice president and recording secretary. Dick was also a member of the USW, UAW-CIO, American Legion Post 50, and was a deacon at Congregational Community Church.

Dick was a building inspector for the community he lived in and helped organize sports for the children in the neighborhood. He was an avid Notre Dame fan and season ticket holder. Dick volunteered for the 1977 Special Olympics, which he always said made a big impression on him. He was an accomplished artist of lighthouses and landscapes, and his last paying job was as an extra on the set of the movie, “Rudy.”

Dick loved spending time with his wife, Sharon. Together they would travel, go camping, visit Lake Michigan and Shipshewana, and sit on the porch having coffee at sunset and wave to the neighbors who drove by. Dick enjoyed golf, tennis, bowling, and gardening. He loved music and had a beautiful voice; he was always singing. He also loved spending time with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Dick always had a fun sense of humor and a highly creative joke to tell. One of his famous quotes was “Keep a smile on your face, a song in your heart, and a laugh in your pocket.”

In keeping with Dick’s wishes, there will be no services. Palmer Funeral Home—Hickey Chapel and Southlawn Cremation Services are assisting the family with arrangements.

Contributions in memory of Dick may be donated to Comfort 1 Hospice, 129 S Dixie Way, South Bend, IN 46637.

Online condolences can be left for the family at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com.

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