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Obituary

Richard Martin Smith, 87, of Burlington, died Tuesday, June 14, 2022 at Mercy Hospital in Iowa City.
Born April 27, 1935, in Breckenridge, Missouri, he was the son of Fred and Alfa Nell Smith. Richard graduated from Burlington High School in 1953 and received his master’s degree in education from Bradley University in 1961. That same year he married the love of his life Jean Weigel.
After graduation, he began his teaching career at Moline. Several years later he started teaching for Burlington. After teaching Science, Industrial Education and Adult Education, he retired after 45 years.
Richard had many hobbies including running the clock and attending sporting events, especially those of his grandkids, collecting Lionel trains and Ford tractors and was very passionate about his Edsel car. Richard will be remembered for his love for Cantril cheese, the Chicago Cubs, his “bakka” jokes and his “famous” Dr. Smith peppermints.
Survivors include his wife, Jean Smith of Burlington; daughter Renee Fynquist; son Scott (Amy) Smith; grandchildren, Kya, Rosi, Spencer and Parker; great grandson Zayden; brother John; sister Nancy; several nieces and nephews and the many students that touched his life.
He is preceded in death by his parents, twin sister Donna Sue and other extended family.
The funeral service for Mr. Smith will be 2:00 p.m. Sunday, June 26th at First Christian Church ~ Disciples of Christ. The Revs. David Yonker and Brooke Anthony will officiate. Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. Friday, June 24th at First Christian Church where the family will receive friends. Interment will be held Monday, June 27th at Aspen Grove Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established for First Christian Church ~ Disciples of Christ and a scholarship will be established for a Burlington student who is pursuing a career in a vocational trade.