Dean Hopkins Smith

Dean Hopkins Smith, 80, passed away on April 1st, 2014 in Tucson, Ariz. after a long struggle with diabetes and congestive heart failure.

Dean was born in Big Springs, Neb. to Guy and Gertrude Smith on December 3rd, 1933. He went to Sidney High School. After graduation, he joined the United States Air Force in 1953 and served honorably for 20 years as a pilot in the Korea and Vietnam Wars.

He married Esther Hayes Smith in 1956 and they had 3 children: Guy Lester Smith, Gregory Eugene Smith and Valerie Smith-Kindler. The marriage ended in 1981 and he married Emma Kidd-Smith who had 4 children from a previous marriage: Mitch Kidd, Elton Kidd, Sherri Kidd-Bowen, and Brian Kidd.

Dean is survived by his children, step-children, grandchildren, step-grandchildren and several great step-grandchildren.

A Celebration of Life Ceremony will be held at the American Legion Post 109 in Corona De Tucson, Ariz. on April 26th at 1 p.m.