Our Founders
The Smith family's funeral home legacy in Logan County began back in 1893 when Job and Mary Smith came from Albany, MO and Scotland to homestead on a farm east of Guthrie, about two miles south of Meridian, OK. Job Smith, back then, used his spring wagon and team of mules to transport the deceased to cemeteries in and around the Meridian area. To Job and Mary Smith eight children were born, with two of the children eventually entering into the undertaking business. He married Rachel Pinnick of Kansas and then moved to Carman, OK. Ray Smith got a job there working with an undertaker; that is where Robert J. Smith, Sr. was born. After moving back to the Guthrie area, Ray Smith worked for C.C. Clothier's Undertaking Parlor. In 1929 Ray and Rachel Smith founded Smith-Gooch Funeral Home in the location now known as the Stone Lion Inn. His partner, Gooch, only stayed with him for about four months, and in 1936 Smith bought and moved to the current location at 220 North First Street. Family Traditions
A t one time there were three generations of Smiths working at the Smith Funeral Home - Ray and Rachel Smith, Bob and Marylee Smith, Sr., and Bobby and Barbara Smith, Jr. They all worked together for about nineteen years. Marylee and Bob, Sr. passed away in 1985 and 1986, respectively, just four months apart. Ray Smith's death came shortly after in 1987. Bobby Smith, Jr. was part owner until his father and grandfather passed away, then he became sole owner of the business in 1988. The chapel facility was built in 1963 and then in 1989 Bobby and Barbara Smith added on the 4,800 square feet addition. They wanted to get everything on the ground floor so there were no steps to climb anymore. The new addition allowed the funeral home to accommodate up to seven viewing rooms if needed, offices, garages, and new bathrooms to make the Smith Funeral Home a state-of-the-art facility. Continued Dedication
B obby and Barbara Smith continued to manage and operate Smith Funeral Home since 1988. In 1992, while attending University of Central Oklahoma, Ben Gallo came to work with the Smiths. Ben did his apprenticeship at Smith Funeral Home, and once out of college, Bobby and Barbara Smith offered him a job, and he has been here ever since. On October 11, 2005 Bobby and Barbara Smith partnered with Ben Gallo, with the name changing to Smith-Gallo Funeral Home. The Smiths offered this partnership because they believe Ben has the same work ethic as they did and will proudly carry on the Smith family tradition. They continued the partnership, until Bobby passed away in January 2013. Many things have changed since the early 1900's; things wear out, values change, stability and performance are rare. We are proud that the families of Logan County have allowed us to serve them for so many years. We will strive to continue the tradition of excellence that Ray and Rachel Smith started in 1929. We will learn from our history and proceed to the future while carrying on the traditions of the past.
