Des was a proud Nebraskan who would have rather been in a deer blind (or let's be honest , asleep in the truck), or out at his favorite fishing spots than just about anywhere else. He liked to share his love of outdoors with his family by taking them on annual camping and hunting trips.
Des was born in Wayne, Nebraska grew up in Allen, Nebraska on his family's farm. A twin, he and his brother were the oldest of 14 children born to Desmond and Martha Smith. He moved to Scribner in the 1970's and worked for Contel and then Great Plains Communications until his retirement in 2004. He could tell you the phone number of anyone in Scribner.
Des was known for being both frugal and handy- a fortunate combination. He could fix anything with zip ties and duct tape. This ability both bemused and horrified his children.
Des was a 29 year member of Scribner's Alcoholics Anonymous, a membership which he was very proud of. He fully embraced the "One day at a time" approach, and his kind and gentle spirit was a comfort to many in their path to sobriety.
Des was happiest when surrounded by his family, and he was happy to fix a turkey and crock pot potatoes for their holiday gatherings. He was extremely proud of his seven children, but his true delight was being surrounded by his seventeen grandchildren. "Grampy" would light up in their presence. Some of their favorite memories of him include sneaking off to eat ice cream sandwiches together, working in his vegetable garden, his silly jokes and he always winked at them.
He is survived by his children and grandchildren:
Melissa & Chris Sommers, Omaha, NE and family Morgan Dodge, Luke Forman, Kaleb Sommers,
Josh Forman;
Kim & Darby Carlson, Kearney, NE and family Zane Carlson, Tori Carlson;
Nola & Jim Bennett, Lincoln, NE and family Cole Schinstock, Stella Bennett;
Mitch & Christine Smith, Scribner, NE and family Mason Smith, Madison Smith, Charleigh Smith;
Carey & Jason Kubik, Wichita, KS and family Kyley Kubik;
Mike & Mallory Smith, Pierre, SD and family Aubrey Smith, Alexis Smith;
Greg & Emily Smith, Andover, KS and family Calyn Smith, Lakynn Smith, Peyton Smith;
Six brothers and three sisters - Terry & Gayle Smith, Dean & Marlene Smith, Bob Smith, Chris & Bill Micek, Lin & MaryLou Smith, June & Bob Grosvenor, Randy & Tonia Smith, Dennis & Theresa Smith, Shellee & Jeff Heinemeyer.
He was preceded in death by his parents. Siblings: twin brother Richard, Alan, Doug, and Marsha and granddaughter Kyndal Kubik.
The family requests in lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Scribner Alcoholics Anonymous or Scribner Volunteer Fire Department and Rescue.
The funeral service will be 2pm, Friday, May 24 at St. Peter's Lutheran Church in Scribner. Burial will follow in the Scribner Cemetery. Visitation will be Thursday from 3pm to 8pm with the family present from 6pm to 8pm at Ludvigsen's Scribner Funeral Chapel.
Online guestbook at www.hooper-scribner.com
Condolences(3)
Nancy Booth Holst
HOT SPRINGS VILLAGE, AR Thursday, May 23, 2019 A special friend and co-worker, you will be missed. Thanks for all your help setting up my the farm with phone service.Tracy & Kelly Kaup
West Point, NE Thursday, May 23, 2019 Mike, Greg and Families,We are so sorry for your loss. We loved getting to know your Dad throughout your high school years with Eric. He was always so happy and nice to visit with. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. Tracy, Kelly & Family
Karen Olson Kephart
Blair, NE Tuesday, May 21, 2019 You will be missed, my friend! I've always enjoyed the visits, yearly Christmas cards, and keeping up with your family through email all these years after you retired from GPC.