Robert Lee “Bob” Smith

ROBERT LEE “BOB” SMITH

1927-2013

86 years, of Lyons, Nebraska, passed away Wednesday, August 7, 2013, at Oakland Heights in Oakland, Nebraska, following a lengthy illness.

He leaves behind his wife of 58 years, Dorothy Mae (Elming) Smith of Lyons; sons and daughter, Jim (Jennifer), Margaret (friend, Vel), Terry, all of Lincoln, NE, Mike (Laura) of David City, NE; son-in-law, Dennis Kempcke of Lincoln; sister, Densmer McIntyre of Lyons; brother, Leonard (Judy) Smith of Wisconsin; thirteen grandchildren; six great grandchildren; sisters-in-law, many cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.

He was preceded in death by his daughter, Marsha Lee Kempcke; parents and parents-in-law, brothers-in-law, Robert Raabe, Bernard Elming, Ted McIntyre.

Born and raised in Lyons, the son of Leonard and Lona (Robertson) Smith, he was a lifelong resident.

After graduating from Lyons High School in 1944, he joined the US Navy for the duration of WWII.

On June 19, 1955, Bob and Dorothy Mae Elming were married in Lyons.

Bob worked for Armour Foods for a period before entering a partnership in the Food Market in Lyons. He was passionate about his business; relishing the friends he made and working with customers. Bob enjoyed talking to people and was always keeping busy. He later purchased the entire business, eventually owning three store locations, Lyons, Tekamah and Fremont.

Bob was a long-time member of the First Presbyterian Church in Lyons. He was active in the community including the Lyons Community Club, Industrial Development Group, board member of First National Bank and Affiliated Foods Norfolk. Bob was a long-time member of the Masonic Lodge (attaining 32^nddegree), American Legion and VFW.

Bob loved life and encouraged his family to “have fun every day”.

CELEBRATION OF LIFE SERVICE: Saturday, August 10, 2013, 2:00 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church in Lyons. Rev. Jeff Clark.

ORGANIST:  Dorothy Moore

VISITATION: Saturday one hour prior to the service at the church.

CASKET BEARERS:  Dustin Smith, Drew Smith, Brian Raabe, Travis Raabe, Lindsay Kempcke, Blair Kempcke

BURIAL: Lyons Cemetery with MILITARY HONORS by Robert Klase-Rogers VFW Post No.7998 and Harvey Lenig American Legion Post No. 83.

MEMORIALS: American Cancer Society, 9850 Nicholas Street, Suite 200, Omaha, Nebraska 68114, American Parkinson Disease Assoc. Nebraska Chapter for research, 501 N 87th St Ste 207, Omaha, NE, 68114.

Pelan Funeral Services
Lynn, Karen and Jim Pelan
www.pelanfuneralservices.com

• Oakland PO Box 51, 68045 (402) 685-5673
• Lyons PO Box 235, 68038 (402) 687-2644
• Tekamah PO Box 203, 68061 (402) 374-1551