He was born May 8, 1918 to Lanie and Pearl (Rayburn) Smith in Ida, Kentucky. He grew up in Rossville, Illinois where he attended school and was the valedictorian of his 1938 graduating class.
In March of 1941, Lloyd joined the United States Army Air Corps, then in March of 1943, he entered the Army Air Corps Officer Candidate School and upon graduation was commissioned a Second Lieutenant and assigned to the 28th Troop Carrier Squadron. Lloyd married Darlene V. VanDresser in Independence, KS. on May 22, 1945. He was discharged in December of 1945 with the rank of Captain. Following his discharge, Lloyd attended the University of Illinois graduating in 1949. In October of 1950, he was recalled into the Air Force, actively serving for three years. He retired from the Air Force Reserve in 1980 with the rank of Major.
Lloyd was an active member of The Presbyterian Church for fifty years, serving as an Elder, and on several of the other church committees. He was also active in the Fremont Area Chamber of Commerce, the advisory board of the Fremont Area Community Foundation, Crime Stoppers, and the Elkhorn Valley Gun Club. He had many hobbies: hunting, fishing, gardening, flowers, reading and playing bridge. Watching Husker football games was a favorite pastime. Family was also very important, getting together for holidays and birthdays 'we just didn't need an excuse to all get together'.
Lloyd was preceded in death by his parents, his son Lane, a grandson, and two sisters.
Survivors his wife Darlene (VanDresser)
daughter Charlene (Gene) Koehler of Holdrege
5 grandchildren Dawn (David) Jensen, Jeff (Stef) Callahan, Brad Callahan, Justin Koehler,
Lana (Jesse) Wurdeman.
4 great grandchildren Dustin Jensen, Janay Wurdeman, Nathan Callahan, Pearl Callahan.
sister Eva (Robert) Neeland of Rossville, Illinois
The memorial service will be 11 AM Friday (Sept. 26th) at The Presbyterian Church with Military Honors to follow by the United States Air Force and the Fremont Honor Guard. Memorials are suggested to The Presbyterian Church or the donor's choice. Visitation with the family will be Thursday evening, 6 to 8 PM, at the Ludvigsen Mortuary.
online guestbook @ www.ludvigsenmortuary.com
Condolences(3)
Doris Fogle
Holdrege, NE Friday, September 26, 2014 Charlene, just wanted to let you know, we are thinking of you today. May God Bless you and all the family today as you bid your earthly farewell. Praying.... DorisKathy Spicer
Ames, NE Wednesday, September 24, 2014 Just wanted to let you know that we are thinking about you at Shalimar MS. It was a pleasure to care for Lloyd while he was with us. And we appreciate his service to our country. Praying for the Father's peace to cover you during this time.Mim Hazlett
Holdrege, NE Wednesday, September 24, 2014 Charlene...my prayers are with you. It is so "bittersweet" in a situation like this...we are happy they are in a better place BUT we still miss them so much!!! May God wrap his arms around you and give you the peace and comfort you need for this time of grieving.Love ya,
Mim