Mitchell “Steve” Smith, age 62 of Sutherland, passed away Wednesday October 15, 2014 with his family around him. Steve was born on April 7, 1952 in Springfield, MO to Inez L. (Lee) Smith and Kenneth B. Smith. His family moved around the country to different Air Force bases when he was young, settling back in Springfield when he was a teen. He joined the Marine Corps in November of 1970, and served in Vietnam. After he was honorably discharged he came home and worked for the Brick Layers Union in Springfield, MO. Steve traveled to several different states building power plants and in 1975 moved to Hershey, NE to work on Gerald Gentleman Station. He met Debra L. Zona, In North Platte, NE in 1976 and they married in May of 1977. They lived in Little Rock, AR and Springfield, MO for a few years before moving back to Lincoln County. Steve and Debra opened North River Bait and Tackle in 1990 and enjoyed many years of business in Sutherland. He also worked as a Welder for the Pipefitters, Steamfitters Union Local 464 in Omaha. Steve enjoyed hunting, fishing, metal detecting, and trap shooting. He loved the outdoors and all of his family and friends.
Steve is survived by his wife of 37 years, Debra L. (Zona) Smith of Sutherland; daughters Caroline M. Smith of IA and Katie A. Smith of Sutherland; son-in-Law Jason Hippen of Hulett, WY; grandsons James W. Hippen and John W. Hippen both of Hulett, WY; brother Robert Smith and sister-in-law Carolyn Smith both of Springfield, MO; uncle Tom Wommach of Springfield, MO; several cousins, nieces and nephews; as well as many friends.
Steve was preceded in death by his mother, Inez L. (Lee) Smith; father, Kenneth B. Smith; brother, Kenneth “Brad” Smith; sister, Lucille K. Smith; and grandparents.
Memorials are suggested to the Sutherland Youth Trap Team and online condolences may be shared at www.adamsswanson.com. Memorial services will be 1:00 p.m. Friday October 24, 2014 at Adams and Swanson Funeral Home Chapel with Vicar JA Welsh officiating. Inurnment will follow at Ft. McPherson National Cemetery. A reception will follow at the Legion Hall in Sutherland, NE. Those wishing to do so may sign the register book from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, and Friday until service time at Adams and Swanson Funeral Home which is in charge of arrangements.