Memorials › Darrel Wayne Smith

Darrel Wayne Smith

30 Apr 1931 – 3 Nov 2016

Birth30 Apr 1931
Death3 Nov 2016
FaGhttps://www.findagrave.com/memorial/172432106

Bio

ORD — Darrel W. Smith, 85, of Ord passed away Thursday, Nov. 3, 2016, at Community Memorial Health Center in Burwell. Mr. Smith’s wishes were to be cremated. A memorial service will be at 11 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 10, at Ord Christian Church. The Rev. Doug Durre will officiate. Ord Memorial Chapel is in charge of arrangements. Darrel Wayne was born April 30, 1931, at Horace to Harold and Marrel (Shipman) Smith. He was raised in the Scotia area where he also received his education. On Nov. 7, 1949, Darrel was united in marriage to Ruth Thomsen at Hastings. Darrel was working for the Irrigation District before moving to California in 1951, where he was an automobile service attendant. In 1952, Darrel was drafted in the Marine Corp and was sent to Camp Pendleton. He went to Fort Benning, Ga., and attended mechanical school and then to Fort Knox, Ky., where he was received instruction in tank mechanics and driving. While stationed Korea he was in the U.S. Marine Corp 3rd Tank Division until his discharge in 1954. Following the service, Darrel made his home in Ord. He and Ruth purchased Thomsen Tavern, which became Smitty’s Tavern, and later owned and operated the Starlight Lounge. The couple built the Chanticleer Drive-In and later purchased Ord Hardware-True Value Hardware. Darrel drove the Valley County ambulance for more than 30 years. Upon retirement, he worked at the Grocery Kart and enjoyed visiting the children and watching the grandchildren in school and sporting events. The couple also enjoyed a family cruise to Alaska and a trip to Hawaii. Darrel was a member of the Gideons, Ord Fire Department and Ord Christian Church, and was a lifetime VFW member. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, playing cribbage and following Nebraska football and volleyball. Survivors include his wife of nearly 67 years, Ruth of Ord; a son and daughter-in-law, Bradley and Diane of Acworth, Ga.; a daughter and son-in-law, Vicki and Rodney Johnson of Parachute, Colo.; five grandchildren, Deanna, Elizabeth and Holly Smith and Richard and Ryan Johnson; and three great-grandchildren, MacKenzie, Kassidi and Erika Johnson. He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Verlin and Sherman; and a sister, Opal Schoemaker.

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