Robert W. Smith, 84, of Lafayette, passed away Sunday, August 6, 2023, at Community Health North Hospital in Indianapolis.

He was born April 14, 1939, in Fort Worth, TX to the late Porter and Myrtle (Franklin) Smith.  He was a 1957 graduate of Marshall High School, Marshall, TX and received his Bachelor of Arts degree in 1960 from North Texas State University. He continued his education at Oklahoma State University where he graduated in 1964, with his Doctorate in Microbiology/Biochemistry. His Post Doctorate work was in Protein Chemistry and Bacteria Flagella at Purdue University.  Roberts first marriage was to Barbara Bailey in 1958. Barbara preceded him in death on June 2, 2021.  On March 7, 1987, Robert married Lucinda A. “Cindy” (Nuerge) Smith.  The couple recently celebrated 36 years of marriage.

Robert enjoyed photography and art.  He also enjoyed spending time outdoors, camping, birding, and nature.  He was very interested in history and the American Civil War. He enjoyed all genres of music, but his favorites were Tchaikovsky “6^th Symphony”, the Phantom of the Opera soundtrack, Debussy’s “Clair de Lune”, “Morning has Broken” by Cat Stevens, and Louis Armstrong’s “What a Wonderful World”.  Robert was a family man and cherished every moment he was able to spend with his family and friends.

Along with his wife, Cindy, he is survived by his children, Deborah R. Smith, Teri L. Nuerge, Kristy A. (James) Taylor, Matthew N. Rauch, and Katie E. (Dean) Bowman; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Porter and Myrtle Smith and son-in-law, Bill Nuerge.

Memorial contributions in Robert’s name may be given to the Indiana Natural Resources Foundation, 402 W. Washington St. W256, Indianapolis, IN 46204 or at www.indiananrf.org or to the National Wildlife Federation, PO Box 1583, Merrifield, VA 22116-1583 or at www.nwf.org.

Private family services will be held.

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