David Smith

1946 - 2025

David Smith

September 9, 1946 - November 17, 2025

David Gary Smith passed away on Monday, November 17, 2025, at the age of 79. He was born on September 9, 1946, in Beatrice to Jack G. and Betty I. (Gary) Smith. Dave graduated from Beatrice High School in 1964 and entered the United States Navy on August 4th of that year. He proudly served his country until December 22, 1967, with a rank of CT3. Dave met Cheryl Ann Kelle on a blind date following his separation from active duty and the two were married on April 19, 1970, at Zion Lutheran Church of rural Pickrell. They were blessed with two sons, Ryan David and Neil Anthony. Dave was a member of St. John Lutheran Church of Beatrice where he had served on the Stewardship Committee and was a long-time member of the ushering team. His working career consisted of almost 40 years at what is now the Koch Fertilizer Plant, northwest of Beatrice, where he served in several capacities, the last being Administrative Superintendent. Dave was hired by Phillips Petroleum Company, followed by Cepex Midwest; then Farmland Industries before becoming Koch Fertilizer. He loved working at the plant, but more than that, he loved working with the people associated with the facility. Many friendships were formed during those years. Dave was a member of the American Legion Post #27, lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #1077, Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie 531, and the Beatrice Country Club.

He is survived by his wife, Cheryl; sons, Ryan Smith of rural Pickrell and Neil (DeAnn) Smith of Pickrell; grandchildren, Rylee and Libby Smith of rural Pickrell, and Dawson and Gage Smith of Pickrell; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, LaDonna (Darvin) DeBuhr, Sandra (Gerhardt) Daubendiek, and Arlan (Mimi) Kelle, all of Beatrice; nieces and nephews, Mike (Pam) Bauman, Robert (Jeannie) Bauman, Dan (Joyce) Bauman, Coleen (Tom) Nieveen, Calvin Remmers, Miranda (Curtis) Meints, and Spencer (Nicole) Kelle. He was preceded in death by his parents, Jack and Betty Smith; sister and brother-in-law, Sandra (Phil) Grenier; nephew, Steven Bauman; parents-in-law, Norbert R. and Arlene E. (Trauernicht) Kelle; brother-in-Law, Orville Remmers.

Memorial services will be held 10:30 a.m. on Monday, November 24, 2025, at St. John Lutheran Church with Pastor Arden Dorn and Heidi Price officiating. Inurnment will be at the Evergreen Home Cemetery of Beatrice with military rites conducted by Bitting-Norman Post #27 of the Beatrice American Legion and the U.S. Navy Honor Guard. A family prayer service will be held at 10:15 a.m. on Monday in the chapel at the church. Cremation has taken place and there will be no viewing. A book for signatures will be available from noon until 8 p.m. on Sunday, November 23, 2025, at the Fox Funeral Home. The family will greet friends on Sunday from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established to the family's choice. www.foxfuneralhome.net

Fox Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Beatrice is in charge of the arrangements.

Fox Funeral Home & Cremation Services

1116 N 19th St

Beatrice NE 68310

402-223-4096