Richard Allen Smith

Richard A. Smith, age 81, of Hammond, IN, peacefully passed away Monday, May 4, 2026, leaving behind a legacy defined by love, hard work, and devotion to family.

Born on November 22, 1944 in Chicago, Illinois, Richard was the son of Raymond and Grace Smith, who preceded him in death along with brothers, Raymond and Ronald Smith and wife, Brenda Smith.

Richard is survived by his children, Mark A. (Janet) Smith, Matthew W. (Christinna) Smith, and Monroe J. Smith; grandchildren, Cory Smith, Jesse Smith, Summer Coughlin, Brittney Sanders, and Salvatore Smith; great-grandchildren, Addie Smith and Carter Muro and sister, Frances Dranginis.

Richard’s work ethic began at an extraordinarily early age. By the time he was just 8 years old, he was already working as a food and supply delivery boy in his neighborhood of Chicago. Those early years shaped him deeply, teaching him grit, independence, and pride in earning an honest living. He carried those lessons with him for the rest of his life.

Richard proudly served in the United States Marine Corps from December 1961 through December 1964. This part of his life speaks volumes. It tells us he understood sacrifice, discipline, resilience, and courage from an early age with a lifelong sense of duty. But what is remarkable is how those qualities followed him home. They showed up in how he provided, how he protected, and how he lived his life with integrity every single day.

Richard worked for 44 years on the railroad, taking pride in his labor and providing faithfully for his family. Outside of work, Richard found joy in fishing, pigeon racing, raising animals including ducks, turkeys, rabbits, pheasants, and dogs. He had patience, care, and a deep appreciation for the simple rewards of life. Richard was also a self-made craftsman who built not only his home, but a life grounded in effort, integrity, and love.

The most meaningful chapter of Richard’s life began when he met the love of his life, Brenda, in Hinsdale, Illinois. From that moment forward, they had the kind of love that most people only hope to witness, let alone live. Through decades of change, challenge, joy, and ordinary days, he stood beside his wife with loyalty and care that never wavered. Their relationship and marriage were not just a remarkable near 70 years, it was steady, rooted, and real. It was a partnership that showed all of us what commitment and true unconditional love looks like.

As a father of three sons, Richard did not just raise children-he shaped men. He taught through example: how to work hard with pride in what you do, how to stand firm in their values, how to show up when it matters. Whether through words or actions, he made it clear what it meant to carry responsibility with dignity. Richard’s sons carry pieces of him in the way they live. The way they lead, and the way they love their families and each other.

Richard Allen Smith will be remembered for his strength, his quiet wisdom, his devotion to his family, and the way he treated the people in the world around him with compassion, kindness, and understanding. He had a way of connecting with others - listening without judgment, offering help when help was needed, and treating everyone with respect. And those who knew him felt that in the way he spoke, the way he helped, and the way he lived. He will be deeply missed and forever cherished.

Without any doubt and complete faith, when Richard entered heaven the Lord’s hand was placed on him with the words spoken...WELL DONE MY SON!

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, May 13, 2026 beginning at 4:00pm followed by a Funeral Service at 7:00pm with Deacon Milt Leppert officiating at Hillside Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 8941 Kleinman Road (one block south of Ridge Rd) Highland, IN.

For further information please contact Hillside Funeral Home, Konnie Kuiper - Michael Kuiper-Vass by calling 219-838-0800 or visit us at www.hillsidefhcares.com

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