Smith, Ward 1911-2000

SMITH, SORENSON, ROZELL

Posted By: Doris, volunteer (email)
Date: 10/21/2008 at 13:28:34

Ward Smith

Funeral services for Ward Smith, age 89, of O'Neill, Nebraska, were at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, September 5, 2000, ay the United Methodist Church in O'Neill, Nebraska. Reverend Laurie Morrison- Sloat officiated.

Pallbearers were the grandchildren. Honorary pallbearers were: Bob Shaw, Jr. Adamson, Art Holz Francis Matthews, Jim Jarman, John Matthews, Pat Matthews, Eldon Petersen, and Leo Matthews. Music was provided by Claude Cole, accompanied by organist, Alta Bell.

Visitation was Monday from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Biglin's Mortuary in O'Neill, Nebraska. Visitation was also held on Tuesday from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Schroeder Funeral Home in Akron, Iowa. Funeral services were held on Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. at the United Methodist Church in Akron with burial in the Riverside Cemetery in Akron under the direction of Schroeder Funeral Home.

Ward passed away at his home on Friday, September 1, in O'Neill, Nebraska.

Ward Smith was born June 3, 1911, at Westfield, Iowa to Ira and Elvera (Sorensen) Smith. As an adult, he farmed in the Akron area. Ward married Marie Rozell on December 15, 1932 at Elk Point, South Dakota. They were blessed with one daughter, Judy, and four sons: Duane, Daryl, Ron, and Gerald.

In 1955, Ward and Marie moved to O'Neill where Ward and his brother, Harry Smith, operated an implement dealership. Ward enjoyed the implement business and working with farmers and ranchers. Marie passed away in 1976 and Ward lost his son, Gerald, in a car accident in 1985. Ward was blessed to live close to his son, Ron, and daughter, Judy, and their families. All of his family, near and far, were very important to him. Ward took to farming on a smaller scale as he cared for his lawn and garden. He harvested lots of tomatoes and grew beautiful roses. Ward loved playing cards, dancing, hunting, visiting with his friends and laughing. He was a member of the Eagles Club, both in Akron and in O'Neill.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, one son, three brothers, one sister, and a special friend, Lenora Jarman.

Ward is survived by three sons and one daughter and their spouses: Duane and Jean Smith of Sioux City, Iowa; Daryl and Marcine Smith of Westfield, Iowa; Ron and Sharon Smith of O'Neill, Nebraska; Judy and Russell Thomas of O'Neill; 17 grandchildren; one brother, Virgil Smith of Akron, Iowa and one sister, Ella Johnson of Akron, Iowa.

Akron Register Tribune
Thursday, September 14, 2000
Akron, Iowa