Vernon D. Smith, 83, of Lexington, Nebraska, died Friday, January 13, 2006, at St. John's Good Samaritan Center in Kearney, Nebraska.

He was born June 24, 1922, on a farm north of Lexington to Arthur and Ella (Sutphen) Smith.Vernon attended school in Lexington and graduated with the Class of 1939. On June 30, 1947, Vernon married Loulla June Becker at the home of Ed and Bertha Becker in Elm Creek, Nebraska. She preceded him in death on November 16, 2002.

He worked for REA when the couple was first married. He then joined his father and brother, Merle in the farming operation until his retirement in 1992. During the summer, Vernon loved to take drives in the country to see the crops and their progress.

Survivors include a son, Gary Smith of Gothenburg, Nebraska; a daughter, Karen and husband Bob McNeff of Palmer, Nebraska; three grandchildren, three great-grandsons, and a step-great-granddaughter; a sister, Betty Smith of Lafayette, Colorado; a brother, Melvin and wife Margaret Smith of Arapahoe, Nebraska; along with numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Louella; two sisters, Velma Apgar and Doris Smith; four brothers, Carl, Merle, Gerald, and Lloyd; and two infant grandchildren, Cinda Kim Smith and Kalene Ann McNeff.

Funeral services were held Wednesday, January 18, 2006, at 10:30 a.m. at First Christian Church in Lexington with Rev. Kyron BeDunnah officiating. Burial was in Hewitt Cemetery in Lexington.

Memorials are kindly suggested to First Christian Church or donor's choice. Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington was in charge of arrangements.

from Tri-City Trib online