Dexter A. Smith - Obituary

It is with deepest sorrow that we inform you that Dexter A. Smith, age 63 of Sidney, NE passed away at his home, on Wednesday, February 6th, 2019.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 A.M., Wednesday, February 13th in the First United Methodist Church in Sidney with Pastor Corey Jenkins presiding; a luncheon will follow.  Cremation will take place after the services with inurnment in the Greenwood Cemetery at a later date. Visitation will be at the Gehrig-Stitt Chapel on Tuesday, February 12th from 1-7:00 P.M. with family present from 4-6:00 P.M.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Dexter's name to the Sidney Shooting Park or the Sidney Sharpshooters 4H. Both contributions may be made in care of Jeff Ellwanger, 1516 Jackson Street, Sidney, NE 69162. You may view Dexter's Book of Memories and leave condolences, photos and stories at http://www.gehrigstittchapel.com.

A lifelong resident of Sidney, Dexter graduated from Sidney Public Schools in 1973. Through the years Dexter worked on the construction of I-80 Interstate, for the Nebraska Natural Resource District, as a State Patrol Dispatcher, as a Cheyenne County Corrections Officer and Dispatcher, and the Director of Cheyenne County E911 Center.  For the last 30 years, Dexter has served as a rural mail carrier – first as a relief and then fulltime. He enjoyed interacting with his customers, both human and furry, right up until the time of his passing.

Dexter was a founder and lifetime member of the Sidney Shooting Park.  He was a shotgun instructor for Sidney Sharpshooters 4H, a lifetime member of the NRA, and a Hunter Safety instructor for over 40 years. Dexter enjoyed riding his motorcycles and was a proud member of the Patriot Guard Riders.  He was an avid hunter and fisherman and loved spending that time with friends and family.

We will miss Dexter's smile, good humor, quick wit, love for the outdoors, friendship, and passion for teaching the next generation about shooting sports.

Dexter is survived by his wife, DewAnn of Sidney, NE; his daughter Mandie Smith of Elkart, IN; son-in-law Russell Barker of Sidney, NE; and his step-children Chris Jurgens of Old Monroe, MO; Ryan Jurgens and wife Tiffany of Bailey, CO; Angie Leeper and husband Russell of Freemont, NE; Melonie Bendza and husband Mark of Vienna, VA; Kristin Hotopp and husband Ruark of Lincoln, NE; Lindsey Chavez and husband Allen of Kimball, NE; and Jeff Armstrong and wife Karlyn of Arvada, CO.  He will also be fondly remembered by his parents-in-law Bill and Bea Dinkel of Hay Springs, NE along with his aunts, uncles, nephews, 13 grandchildren, one great-grandchild, extended family, and dear friends. Dexter was predeceased by his father Wendell, mother Ethel, and sister Deanna Kahl, and son-in-law Martin Kahl.

Gehrig-Stitt Chapel & Cremation Service, LLC is in charge of Dexter's care and funeral arrangements.