Robert "Bob" Russell Smelko

February 3, 1935 - September 1, 2020

Robert (Bob) Russell Smelko passed away peacefully at age 85 early Tuesday morning, September 1, 2020. He was born in Hubbard, Ohio on February 3, 1935 to the late Robert (Bob) and Bernice (Bonnie) Ritenour Smelko and was a 1953 graduate of Hubbard High School. A veteran of the US Air Force, he retired from the Federal Aviation Administration as an Air Traffic Control Supervisor at the Dayton International Airport after 32 years of service on January 3, 1987. After retirement Bob and Eileen traveled the states, settling at Clerbrook Golf and RV Resort in Clermont, Florida. They loved working together at Walt Disney World at Animal Kingdom and Epcot for 12 1/2 years. When active in the Greenon Boosters, they helped bring the all-weather track and other upgrades to Greenon High School and enjoyed watching all four of their children compete in sports there. Bob loved The Ohio State Buckeyes and the Cleveland Browns and Indians. He loved playing and coaching baseball and football, and playing softball at Wright Patterson AFB and Clerbrook Resort. An avid golfer, he played with the Geritol Group and Best Ball of Springfield, Ohio and Clerbrook's Men's League and The Morning Men as well as with family and friends. He was a licensed pilot who loved flying, driving race cars, boating, fishing, and hunting. Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Bob and Bonnie, and sister Marilyn Thomas. He is survived by his loving family; Eileen, his wife of 64 years; 4 children, Bob (Randi) Smelko II of Scottsdale AZ, Vet Smelko of Enon, Lori Roberds of Cincinnati, Rod Smelko of Enon; brother David (Darlene) Smelko of Hubbard; 5 grandchildren, Rob (fiance Jessica) Smelko III, Crystal (Joe) Dillingham, Jeana Roberds, Warren (Jan) Roberds, Vet (fiance Maddie) Smelko II; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Adkins Funeral Home in Enon is assisting the family with his final wishes. Services will be held at a later date. www.adkinsfunerals.com