Robert Lee Smarjesse, 87, of Springfield, passed away April 10, 2023, at Stonebridge Memory Care, Jacksonville, IL. He was born November 15, 1935 in Springfield to John and Catherine Rose Smarjesse. He married Myrtle Gough October 21, 1961 in Malibu, CA. She preceded him in death June 6, 2017. He is also preceded in death by his parents and brother, Louie.

Robert was drafted twice in the US Army from 1958-1962. He was Superintendent of Sangamon County Veterans Assistance Commission, retiring in 1999. He was a member of American Legion Post 32 and Disabled American Veterans. He was an avid golfer and Chicago Cubs fan. He was a previous boxer, excellent bowler, shuffleboard and pool player. As a young man, he even beat the legendary Minnesota Fats. Most of all, he was a loving and caring person to everyone he met.

Robert is survived by three children: Tony (Debbie) Smarjesse of Springfield, Teri (Joe) Mulvey of Rochester and Tami (Alan) Savage of Plainfield, IL, 9 grandchildren, 3 great-grandchildren (one on the way), several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Visitation Monday, April 17, 2023, 10:00am until funeral 12:00pm, Ellinger-Kunz & Park Funeral Home, 530 N. Fifth Street, Springfield. Burial will follow Camp Butler National Cemetery 1:00pm with full military honors. Memorial contributions made for grandson to: https://cota.org/campaigns/COTAforRileyS/contributions/