Bill D. Smith age 84 of Lincoln Nebraska passed away on Saturday, July 27, 2013 at The Monarch in Lincoln. He was born on March 17, 1929 in Chester, Nebraska to Cleo V. and Lois E. (Gifford) Smith. He graduated from Crete High School in 1947. Bill served with the U S Army during the Korean War from 1950 to 1952 with the 200th Engineer Company 196 Inf. Regt. He was stationed in Colorado and then for a year in Alaska. Bill married Virgie Havel on January 23, 1954 and they celebrated 59 years together. They moved to Lincoln in 1957. Bill was a dedicated Benefit supervisor with Woodmen Accident and Life Insurance Company for 37 years. He loved spending time with his grandchildren and enjoyed watching all sports, especially the Huskers, Saltdogs and KC Royals.
Bill is survived by his wife Virgie of Lincoln; son, Gene and Jane Smith of Lincoln; daughter, Barbara and Michael Honerman of North Platte; son-in-law, Dr. Brad and Laura Lockee of Pierce; grandchildren, Ryan, Reed, Kyle, Scott, Stacy, Matt, Brian, Amy, Brent, Aaron, Jake and Katie; great-grandchildren, Aiden, Ethan, Addison, Savannah and Wyatt. He was preceded in death by his parents and his daughter, Susan Lockee.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, August 1, 2013 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Wyuka Funeral Home.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, August 2, 2013 at 10:30 a.m., with a rosary preceding the Mass at St. John the Apostle Catholic Church, 7601 Vine Street. Fr. Lyle M. Johnson will be officiating.
Burial with Military Honors will be in Wyuka Cemetery.
Memorials may be directed to the family for later designation.
Virgi and Barb, and family;
I am sorry to hear of Bill’s death. I enjoyed getting to meet and visit with him…especially when he called me at the station to give me a hard time about something. May God’s promises to comfort you give you strength as you walk through these difficult days.
Dave Hilligoss
To the Smith family,
My deepest condolences over the loss of Bill. I pray for friends to comfort you, faith to uphold you, and loving memories to heal your heart. Never forget that you can lean on your Heavenly Father for support. He is a comforter of all those who mourn. In His Word the Bible, He tells us that through His Son Christ Jesus our loved ones will one day awake from their restful sleep to enjoy life in paradise. John 11:11; John 6:40; Revelation 21:3,4. Although this does not take away the pain that is felt today, in time may it comfort you to know that God loves you and that death is not the end. Heartfelt prayers of peace are with you. Galatians 1:3.
I was so sad to read about Bill’s passing. I worked with him at Woodmen and we carpooled for many years. Bill was such a kind, considerate and caring person. He was so proud of his kids and grand kids. He will be greatly missed by all. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Dear Barb and Mike,
I just wanted to let you know how sorry I am about your dad…I know how much you loved him and how much he meant to all of you…David’s dad went to Heaven last July and there are so many wonderful memories we will never forget. I pray that Jesus is holding you close reminding you that He has your dad now…David’s mom was at the Monarch 5 years ago…what a blessing that a place like that is available…peace and comfort and love…even though we don’t see each other…you are in my heart…Love and prayers, Anna
Dear Virgie & Family: Was Very Sorry to read of the passing of another name from the past. You Virgie and Bill rented a home from my parents Arnold & Hazel Fischer on So. 24th many years ago. They appreciated you very much then and also through their ongoing acquaintance and friendship with you through Woodmen’s, etc. for many many years. It is always difficult to lose our loved ones and know Bill will be missed by all who knew and loved him. Our Deepest Sympathy to You All during this most difficult time…Our Best, Dell & Marlene Fischer, Walla Walla, Wa.