Robert "Bob" Lee Smith

Robert “Bob” Lee Smith, affectionately known as Bob and Cowboy, of Odessa, Missouri, passed away on March 18, 2026. He was born on May 5, 1943, in Mound City, Missouri, to Mart W. Smith and Alberta Dooley Smith.

Visitation will be held from 11:00a.m. to 12:00p.m., Monday, March 23, 2026, at the Mt. Tabor United Methodist Church, 12507 Mt. Tabor Road, Odessa, Missouri, 64076. A Funeral Service will follow at 12:00p.m., Mt. Tabor United Methodist Church, 12507 Mt. Tabor Road, Odessa, Monday. Interment will follow at Mount Tabor Cemetery in Odessa, Missouri. In Lieu of flowers, Mount Tabor Cemetery Association. Memories of Bob and condolences for his family may be left at www.LedfordFamilyFH.com or on our Facebook Page. Arrangements have been entrusted to Ralph O. Jones Funeral Home, 306 South Second Street, Odessa, Missouri 64076, 816-633-5524.

Bob spent his childhood and school years in Mound City, where he graduated with the Class of 1961. He was active in football, basketball, FFA, and band—interests that reflected his energy, curiosity, and willingness to dive into every opportunity. He continued his education at the University of Missouri, earning a degree in Agricultural Economics.

In 1962, Bob married Margo Cobb in Montgomery City, Missouri, beginning a lifelong partnership rooted in devotion, humor, and shared purpose. Bob began his career with MFA before joining Shelter Insurance, where he worked for ten years. He later served as Vice President of Ellison Appraisal for seven years. Guided by an entrepreneurial spirit and a deep understanding of his field, he founded Storm Appraisal & Management Services, contracted with Farmers Insurance and numerous smaller companies. A respected professional, Bob was a Gold Pin member of CIC for 20 years, chaired the Fraud Committee, and served on several additional industry committees. He was also a member of NABA—serving one year as Secretary—and a member of SCRS.

Outside of work, Bob’s passions defined him just as strongly. A lifelong drag racing enthusiast, he owned one of the 50 Super 69 Stock AMXs built by Bill Rodekopf Motors and ran a fuel dragster with Ron Martin. His mechanical skill extended to building motors for pulling trucks and tractors. When he wasn’t around engines, Bob enjoyed fishing and treasured the time he spent playing golf with his daughter, whom he loved deeply.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents; his daughter, Kimberly; his sister Coleen King and her husband Bill; his father‑ and mother‑in‑law Frank, Ella, and Roda Cobb; and his brother‑in‑law Dan Cobb.

He is survived by his wife, Margo, daughter number two, Teresa Bolton and her husband Rodney, his sisters‑in‑law Patricia (John) Hunn and Mary Ella (Mike) Bradslee; his brothers‑in‑law Sam (Donna) Cobb, Bob Cobb, John (Nancy) Cobb, Jim Cobb, Dave (Janet) Cobb, and Tom (Alice) Cobb; as well as many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends who will miss him dearly.

Bob leaves behind a legacy of dedication, craftsmanship, curiosity, and unwavering love for his family. He will be remembered for his humor, his generous spirit, and his lifelong passion for anything with an engine.