On Dec. 6, 2018, Chad Smith, beloved husband, son, brother, uncle, friend, died at the young age of 40.

A memorial service will be held at a later date.

Chad was born March 10, 1978 in Lexington, to Allen and Anita Smith. Chad graduated in 1997 from Lexington Senior High School. While in high school, Chad worked at McDonald's, where he met Brenda Holbrook. They lived together, for many years in Nebraska. They moved in 2002 to South Dakota. They were joined in marriage on April 26, 2008 in Springfield, S. D. Chad and Brenda were avid dog lovers, so they adopted 4-legged fur babies to join their family. They were blessed with Dakota, Chance and Snickers.

Chad loved to cook, it was his passion. He enjoyed working for many years as a chef. Chad loved the outdoors, he enjoyed camping, fishing and hunting when he could. He loved spending time with family and friends just sitting, chilling, relaxing, having fun and telling stories. In fact, Chad's favorite pastime was sitting around an open fire, cooking, while being surrounded by family, pets and friends having a wonderful time.

Chad was preceded in death by his father Allen Smith and grandparents Gene and Pearl Smith also Ray Kehl. Also he was preceded in death by Dakota and Chance, two of his fur babies.

He is survived by his  companion dog and fur baby Snickers, wife, Brenda Smith of Lincoln; his mother, Anita Smith of Elwood; grandmother, Lois Kehl of Lexington;  in-laws, Gene and Bonnie Holbrook of Lexington; sisters, Autumn (Dustin) Johnson of Wilcox and Crystal (Jeff) Heier of Yankton, S. D.; aunts, Pam Spiehs of Gentry, Ark., Janet Henderson of Kearney, Terry (Errol) Mogler of Bedford, Iowa,  Michelle (Jim) Yeck of  Council Bluffs, Iowa; uncle, Rich Kehl of Broken Bow. Chad is also survived my many extended family members, nephews, nieces, cousins.

Memorials may be sent to: P. O Box 44 Elwood, NE 68937.