Robert was born to Frank S. and Adah (Humphrey) Smith, December 17, 1922 in Nevada, Missouri. The family moved to Kiowa, Kansas where he spent his youth and graduated from high school. Robert married Ovidia Marie Norbye on February 22, 1944. Of this union they had six children. They were married for 71 years prior to Ovidia's passing July 11, 2015.
Bob and Ovidia were residents of Kansas and Oklahoma prior to their move to Fremont in 1956. In Oxford, KS he owned the KT Oil Service Station. The family moved to Fairfax, OK in 1954 where he leased and managed an alfalfa processing plant. In Fremont, he worked for and then became the managing partner/owner of Dehy Incorporated (an alfalfa processing plant) in 1970. Bob served as President of the Nebraska Dehydrators Association in 1980. Bob sold his share in the company and retired in 1984.
Bob was a Rotarian, and a member of Golden Kiwanis serving as Golden Kiwanis President in 1999. He has been a member of the First Congregational Church, U.C.C. since 1968 where he served on many councils, committees, was a deacon, and served as church moderator. His love of God and family were the cornerstones of his life.
Survivors include: Son, Scott Norbye Smith, Omaha. Daughters, Janice Laughlin, Omaha; Barbara (David) Christiansen, Lakewood, CO; Kay (Craig) Guffey, Corsica, SD; Kathy (Jeff) Nelson, Fremont, NE; and Carol Smith, Fremont, NE. Sister-in-law, Rosalia Lohmeier, Limon, CO. and Sister-in-law, Dorice Norbye, Limon, CO. Grandchildren: Keith Becker, Karen Becker, Tammy Becker-Bieniasz, Kenneth Becker, Shelley (Larry) Hastreiter, Christy Smith, Amy (Ben) Morrow, Clete (Michelle) Christiansen, Melissa (Alex) Crosby, Chad Hooker, Jodie (Steve) Schafer, Michael Nelson and Ryan Nelson. Bob was also blessed with 21 great-grandchildren, one great-great grandchild and many beloved nieces and nephews.
Preceded in death by his parents, 7 brothers, 3 sisters, 9 brothers-in-law, 11 sisters-in-law, one son-in-law, one great-grandchild, 2 nieces and 9 nephews.
A memorial service will be held Friday, 10:30am on October 26 at the First Congregational Church, UCC in Fremont. Visitation with the family will be held at the Ludvigsen Mortuary Chapel from 6-8:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 25. Memorials are suggested to the First Congregational Church, UCC.
Online guestbook at www.Ludvigsenmortuary.com
Condolences(3)
Mike Lohmeier
, TX Wednesday, October 24, 2018 To all my Smith cousins. Sorry for the passing of your Father.Bob was a good man and a great uncle. Always enjoyed his whit and humor. He could always make you laugh. Rest well Uncle Bob.
Troy Kash-Brown
Lincoln, NE Sunday, October 14, 2018 Bob was a treat to be around! He was very dedicated to the church. I had the great joy of being on a pastoral search committee with him when I was a youth. He made you feel good with his greeting and straight forward honesty. Bob told a good story and later told me that the minister we'd chosen was a one handed preacher. I asked him what he meant, he then explain the minister preached with one hand while patting himself on the back with the other; he was so right.Bob was generous letting our scout troop store newspapers in his dehy plant during the year to stock up for the paper drive. The money from the paper drive sent a lot of scouts to summer camps, Jamborees and backpacking trips.
Bob taught great lessons of service to family, church and community.
Mike & Brenda Buck
Iola, KS Thursday, October 11, 2018 Bob will be missed by all of his extended family. I know that I was proud to be a part of his family and he will be greatly missed by all of us. We will be keeping all of you in our prayers.