G. Hanford Smith, 93, long-time Lexington Businessman, passed away Sunday, January 13, 2013, at Lexington Regional Health Center.
He was born September 21, 1919, in Lexington, Nebraska to Hanford D. and Katie (Pratt) Smith. Hanford grew up in Lexington where he attended school and graduated with the Lexington High School class of 1937. Following high school he worked in a local grocery store prior to going into the service. He served his country in the United States Army during WWII from July 12, 1941, until being honorably discharged on January 3, 1946.
Upon Hanford's return to Lexington after the service, he was united in marriage to Ardis Wilke on April 6, 1947, at the United Methodist Church in Lexington. Four children were blessed to this marriage; Sheryl, Susan, Steve and Sally.
Hanford then went to work for his grandfather and father at the H.O. Smith Title Company. He would eventually buy out his father. His son Steve then joined the company and now his grandson, Cameron has also joined his father, making it five generations of Smiths in the Title Company. Hanford was extremely proud of this accomplishment.
Hanford was very active in the community; he was a member of the Rotary Club, American Legion, Masonic Lodge, #61,Tehama Shrine, and Chamber of Commerce. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church for over 75 years. Hanford enjoyed playing golf, the Nebraska Cornhuskers, bowling as a young man, and Monday night card club. He was a wonderful husband, father and grandfather who always had a twinkle in his eye and a kind word for all he came in contact with.
Hanford is survived by his wife of 66 years; Ardis of Lexington; son, Steve (Mary) Smith of Lexington; daughters, Sheryl (Rex) Hunt of Lexington; Susan (Bob) Wallace of Kearney; and, Sally (Ed) Stuckey of Appleton, Wisconsin; ten grandchildren, Wendy (Stephen) Benge of Denver, Colorado; Stacey Hunt of Lexington, Nebraska; Sarah (Sean) Hickey of Denver, Colorado; Tracy (Colin) Parsons of San Diego, California; Tami (Eric) Wong of San Francisco, California; Kyle Smith of Lexington, Nebraska; Cameron Smith of Lexington, Nebraska; Rachel Stuckey and fiancé Erich Schwarz of Madison, Wisconsin; Ben Stuckey of Appleton, Wisconsin and Allyson Stuckey of Stevens Point, Wisconsin; six great-grandchildren; Jaden Hunt, Tate and O'Brasia Amos, and Olivia, Lily and Luke Parsons; one sister-in-law, Jean (Marvin) Gehle of Albert Lea, Minnesota, as well as nieces and nephews.
Hanford was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters, Geraldine Beardslee and Kathleen Bakewell.
Funeral Services will be held Saturday, January 19, 2013, at 10:30 a.m. at First United Methodist Church in Lexington with Reverend Doug Smith officiating. Masonic Rites will be conducted at the church by Masonic Lodge, #61. Visitation will be held Friday, January 18, 2013, from 5-7 p.m. at the Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington. Burial will be in the Greenwood Cemetery at Lexington with Military Honors. Memorials are suggested to First United Methodist Church or Lexington Community Foundation.
Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington is in charge of arrangements. Please share online condolences with the family through: reynoldslovefuneralhome.com.
