Rev. Robert Smallwood

Rev. Robert Smallwood was born Bobbie Ray Smallwood on October 10, 1933 in Apache, Oklahoma. He passed away on January 21, 2022 in Seymour, Missouri at his son’s home. He lived 88 years, three months, and 11 days. Pastor Smallwood had moved to live with his son and daughter-in-law, Steve and Pam in May of last year and had experienced several extended hospital stays. He was on hospice care when he passed away.

He and his wife, Norma pastored Camino Community Church in the mill-town of Camino, CA for ten years after graduating from Glad Tidings Bible Institute in Santa Cruz.

He returned to his hometown in Delhi, CA where he pastored Good Tidings Assembly of God Church for 32 years before retiring. He was Ordained with the Northern California District of the Assemblies of God for 67 years.

Rev. Smallwood was a quintessential rural pastor who loved his pastoral duties of performing weddings, funerals, and making pastoral calls to pray for and minister to sick people. He loved preaching, and leading enthusiastic church services that ministered to the people of his community. He was a pastor to all who attended his church as well as everyone who lived in the rural agricultural community he grew up in and served throughout the years.

He loved animals, especially his many (10+) miniature dachshunds (all named Heidi). He was a passionate man who worked tirelessly to assist people in need. He stood against racial injustice and fought to build a congregation that ministered to people from all ethic and social backgrounds. He truly never met a stranger—often striking up conversations with total strangers to learn of their stories and offer friendship to them.

Most of all he loved his family and his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. His goal was to share his faith through acts of practical service with as many people that he possibly could.

He was preceded in death by his parents--LD and Lois Smallwood, his older brother--Sam, his wife—Norma Smallwood, his eldest son--Mark, and his granddaughter--Kristen. He is survived by his sons--Steven and Philip, his daughters-in-law--Pam and Gloria, his ten grandchildren, and his five greatgrandchildren.

A memorial service will be held on Sunday, Jan. 30th at 1:30 pm at Lohmeyer Funeral Home at 500 E Walnut Street, Springfield, MO 65806.

The family is also planning a service in the Delhi/Turlock area in the spring.