Charles Orval “Duff” Smith, 89, of Hemingford passed away on Tuesday, April 12, 2016 at Highland Park Care Center in Alliance.
He was born April 26, 1926 about 12 miles northwest of Oshkosh, NE, the youngest child of Oliver and Alta (Templin) Smith. The family moved to Lisco when Duff was four years old. Duff attended all of his school years in Lisco graduating in 1944. He was a member of the last class from that school before it closed.
He entered the U.S. Army in November 1944 and underwent basic training in Texas. His overseas duty was 18 months in Germany with the occupational forces.
While he was in the service Duff’s parents moved to Hemingford where he joined them following his honorable discharge in 1947. In January 1949 he was united in marriage to Mary Cook of Alliance. Two daughters, Judy and Karen were born to this union. Following his move to Hemingford Duff farmed until 1970 when he began a 29 year career with the U.S. Postal Service. He served both as a clerk and rural mail carrier.
His wife Mary preceded him in death in 1996. The following year he was united in marriage to Lois Bennett of rural Oshkosh.
Duff always enjoyed sports and hunting, especially hunting deer with his brother, Pete. He was a member of the Hemingford American Legion Post No. 9 and a life member of the V.F.W. and D.A.V.
In addition to his first wife and parents, he was preceded in death by his daughter, Karen, his brother, Pete, his sister, Edna Rasmussen and his great-grandson, O’Ryan.
He is survived by his wife, Lois, his daughter, Judy (Mike) O’Connor, his granddaughter, Angie (Jennifer) Rexius of Morrill, NE, his great-granddaughters, Gabby and Sabrina Jackson of Morrill, his step-children, Jim (Nancy) Campbell of Long Pine, NE, Judy (Doug) Ray of Ainsworth, NE and Larry Campbell of Milford, NE.
Memorial services will be Friday, April 15 at 2:00 p.m. at the Hemingford Congregational Church with Pastor Jim West officiating. Burial with military honors will be in the Hemingford Cemetery.
Memorials may be given to a charity of the donor’s choice or be sent in care of Judy O’Connor, P.O. Box 303, Hemingford, NE 69348.
Online condolences may be left at www.batesgould.com.Or