Robert N. Smouse
Robert N. Smouse (von Schmausen), 87, of Mount Vernon, Ohio, formerly of North Palm Beach, Fla., as well as Centerville and Washington, passed peacefully Saturday, February 27, 2021.
Born in Gunnison, Colo., in 1934, Mr. Smouse was preceded in death by his wife, Garnet Hamilton Smouse; mother Elsie Piatt Horton; father Russell Horton; and sister Geraldine Horton.
He is survived by his daughter, Rebecca Brown; son Robert von Schmausen; granddaughter Laura Marie Serenta; grandson Arthur Serenta IV; great-granddaughters Sophie Johnson and Anastasia Serenta; great-grandson Brandon Serenta; sister Rhonda Evans; many other cherished family members and friends; and his beloved companion, Mew Kitty.
A graduate of Centerville High School and the Art Institute of Pittsburgh, Mr. Smouse also attended the University at Buffalo, Penn State University and Waynesburg College and devoted his career to the commercial arts. In his early career he was a sought-after muralist and cartoonist and was the creator of the iconic Little Miss Dairy Queen mascot that was featured at the DQ ice cream shoppes across America in the 1960s.
Mr. Smouse spent three decades as an employee for Washington County in Pennsylvania and was an active member of the Democratic party. In addition to his full-time job with the county, he also worked at various times during his career as an auxiliary policeman and humane officer.
An avid history buff, Mr. Smouse combined his love of American history with his passion for art and spearheaded the effort to champion the legacy of the renowned Pennsylvania Ringgold Cavalry during the Civil War Centennial commemorations that were held between 1957-1965. He participated in numerous reenactments during this period and throughout his lifetime.
Mr. Smouse also greatly enjoyed traveling to historical points of interest across the continental United States and abroad and made visits to Austria, Canada, Cuba, France, Germany and Mexico. His hobbies were varied and included painting, woodworking, cycling, snorkeling, deep sea fishing and piloting gliders.
The family will observe a private service at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Mr. Smouse’s name can be made to: Washington Area Humane Society, washingtonpashelter.org.
To leave a condolence for the family, visit www.snyderfuneralhomes.com.
The Dowds-Snyder Funeral Home, in Mount Vernon, Ohio, is honored to serve the family of Robert N. Smouse.