Bobby Neil Smith

Bobby Neil Smith, 93, a longtime resident of Haskell, Texas, passed away Saturday, January 3, 2026, in Copperas Cove, Texas. A funeral service will be held at 11:00am, Saturday, January 10, 2026, at the Methodist Church in Haskell, Texas. Burial will follow the service at the Willow Cemetery in Haskell, Texas, under the direction of Smith Family Funeral Homes, Haskell. A visitation is planned on Friday, January 9, 2026, from 6:00 to 8:00pm, at the funeral home, 304 N 2nd Street, Haskell, Texas.

Bob was born April 29, 1932, in Haskell, Texas, to Allie Belle (Chapman) and Clay Alton Smith. Graduating from Haskell High School in 1948, he received his BBA degree from Hardin-Simmons University in 1953. He later earned an MBA and a PhD while employed. After graduation, he married the love of his life, Darlene Belew of Abilene, Texas, in the summer of 1953, and then reported for active duty in the US Marine Corps. Bob began work in 1955 and stayed with the same company for 44 years, retiring from Lockheed Martin Vought Systems as VP of Business Operations. Bob was an avid outdoorsman who served as Scoutmaster for 3 years also enjoyed hunting and fishing. Bob and his son spent 57 years in the field hunting birds each time September rolled around.

After retirement, Bob and Darlene moved to Haskell, where they both were active in the city. He was recognized and honored in 2003 as Volunteer of the Year and in 2007 as Citizen of the Year. He also served two years on the City Council and 2 years as Mayor of Haskell.

He was a member of the Haskell Methodist Church and served as Finance Chairman for several years. He was also a member of the VFW and Rotary Club.

He is survived by his son, Michael Smith, and wife Monica of Killeen, Texas; 2 step-grandchildren, Anthony Tanner and his wife Erin of Nashville, TN; Nikki Haugland and her husband David of Alameda, CA; and cousin, Charles Chapman, and wife Judy of Abilene, Texas.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Clay and Allie Smith; wife, Darlene Smith; brother, Sam Hugh Smith; numerous cousins and friends.

Memorials can be made in Bobby’s name to:

First Methodist Church Building Fund, 201 N. Ave F, Haskell, Texas 79521.

Online condolences can be shared with the family at www.smithfamilyfh.com.