Dwight E. Smith

Dwight Smith, age 79, formerly of Chappell, NE passed away in Plattsmouth, NE on Sunday, March 17, 2024 at the Nebraska Masonic Home. A Memorial Service will be held at 1:30 P.M. on Monday, March 25, 2024 at the Chappell Methodist Church in Chappell, NE with Pastor Riann Nel officiating. Inurnment with Military Honors will follow at the Chappell Memorial Cemetery in Chappell, NE. Services will be livestreamed on the Gehrig-Stitt Chapel Facebook page and recorded for later viewing on our website.

Prior to the service, family will be present to greet people from 11-12:00 P.M. with a lunch to follow. Memorials will be determined later by the family

You may view Dwight's Book of Memories, leave condolences, photos and stories at http://www.gehrigstittchapel.com. Gehrig-Stitt Chapel & Cremation Service, LLC is in charge of Dwight's care and funeral arrangements.

Dwight Eber Smith was born December 31, 1944, in Oshkosh, NE to Burton and Carol (Wilson) Smith. Dwight grew up in Chappell on a farm northeast of town. After graduating from Chappell High School in 1963, Dwight continued his education at Hastings College and graduated in 1967. He entered law school at the University of Wyoming in the fall of 1967. In 1968 he enlisted in the United States Air Force and he was stationed at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, TX as a Procurement Officer, for which he was awarded a Medal of Commendation. While serving his country, he finished law school while attending night school at St. Mary's University in San Antonio. He earned his law degree in December 1972.

While at Hastings College, Dwight met Vickie Davis of Torrington, WY. They were united in marriage on June 1, 1968, at the First Presbyterian Church in Torrington. To this union, two children were born: Todd (1969) and Laure (1972). The family moved from San Antonio to Chappell in December 1972. After passing the Nebraska bar exam, Dwight joined the law firm of Smith and Wertz, to make it Smith, Wertz & Smith. In addition to practicing law, he also joined his father in farming wheat. Dwight practiced law for 20 years before joining the leadership at Deuel County State Bank and then retiring to farm full-time. Dwight and Vickie sold the farming operation in 2019 and enjoyed a quiet life in the country. In August of 2023, they moved to the Nebraska Masonic Home in Plattsmouth.

Dwight's life was one of service to his Lord and to others. He was active in the community, region, and state. Dwight was a proud member of the Masonic Lodge and served as the Nebraska Grand Master in 2000. He was on the Board of Directors of the Sidney Hospital, active in the United Methodist Church and Chappell Rotary Club. He represented the Thomas D. Buckley Trust and later became a trustee. He was very proud of Trust and its impact on the community and region. After full retirement, he became the Veteran Services Coordinator for Deuel County. He served those who served the country and was so honored to have this job. He helped many veterans obtain services and be an advocate for them.

He was a man who enjoyed the simple joys in life like a cold beer on the front porch after a hot day on the tractor; a breakfast of biscuits and gravy; playing frisbee with his dog; watching a football game on a Saturday afternoon and giving thanks to the Lord for the blessings in his life. He loved his family dearly and enjoyed anytime one or more could gather.

Dwight is survived by his wife of 55 years, Vickie of Plattsmouth, NE; his son Todd and wife Laurie of Sumner, NE and their children Brayden, Parker, and Josie; his daughter Laure and husband Steve Ragoss of York, NE and their son Wilson; his sister Berneil and husband Steve Hoff of Omaha and his brother Scott and wife Jayne Smith of Denver as well as numerous nieces and nephews.