Robert Duane Smalley

Our beloved father, Robert Duane Smalley, passed away peacefully at the Arizona State Veterans Home in Tucson, Arizona on April 29, 2026, at the age of 82.

Robert was born in Pekin, Illinois on December 8,1943, to Warren and Cathryn Smalley. He graduated from Pekin High School and earned an associate's degree at Canton Community College in General Education in 1966. In 1969, prior to joining the United States Army, Robert had begun pursuing an advanced degree in Zoology at Illinois State University where he earned 45 semester hours. He had a passion for hunting and fishing.

Robert Smalley was a proud veteran of the United States Army having served for 5 ½ years before being honorably discharged in 1974. During his time in the service, he obtained the rank of Specialist 5. He served two tours during the Vietnam War, not only for patriotism but for love. Toward the end of his first tour, Robert met and pursued the love of his life, Phung Thi Hiep, who would later become his wife, Hiep (Kim) Thi Smalley.

Robert was a highly decorated veteran earning the National Defense Service Medal, Bronze Star Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm Device, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, 4 Overseas Ribbons, and 1 Service Stripe.

After Robert's service to his country, he became a contractor, opening his own floor-covering business in Cochise County.

Robert is survived by his children Anthony (Heather) Smalley of Phoenix, Arizona and Tricia Smalley (Ryan Hauger) of Sierra Vista, Arizona; his grandchildren, Jeremiah (Aaliyah) Smalley, Alexis Smalley, Isabelle Smalley, Adrianna Villa, and his great-grandson, Jason Paris. He was preceded in death by his mother, Cathryn Smalley, and his siblings, Leland Smalley, Caroline Janssen, Wanda Smalley, Wanita Pool, Fred Smalley, Barbara Hogue, and Ernest Smalley.

Funeral services for Robert will be held on Friday, May 15th, 2026 at 9:00 a.m. at Southern Arizona Memorial Veterans Cemetery in Sierra Vista, Arizona. Reception to follow.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Robert Duane Smalley, please visit our floral store.