Richard H. Smith November 22, 1928 ~ January 1, 2012
		Draucker Funeral Home 700 N. Spruce Street Post Office Box 296 Ogallala, NE 69153 Ph:  308.284.4021

 OBITUARY

 
Richard H. Smith, 83, longtime Ogallala resident, died January 1, 2012, in his home. 

Richard was born November 22, 1928 in Crawford, Nebr., the son of James and Annolive Curtis Smith. He received his early education in Crawford and graduated from Crawford High School in 1946. As a young man, Richard was employed at Newberry Saddlery in Alliance where he apprenticed in leather goods and horse tack. After working in the oil fields in Wyoming he moved to Crawford and worked various jobs.

On April 12, 1956 Richard married Mary Ellen Sullivan at Harrison, Nebr. and the couple resided in Crawford. In 1958 they moved to Hyannis where he worked for Ambler Rothwell for fifteen years. Richard was a ranch hand for U Cross, Fawn Lake, Farrah's, and then at the A Bar C Ranch.

In 1975 the couple moved to Ogallala where Richard worked for the State of Nebraska Department of Roads, retiring in 1991.

He served in the National Guard from 1950 to 1957. He attended the Ogallala Assembly of God. His hobbies included working with horses, reading, going to the Moose Lodge and doing pickle cards. He especially enjoyed spending time with his family and traveling to casinos.

Preceding him in death was his wife in 1999; his parents; one brother Don Smith; and grandchildren Randy Tryon, Sheila Hungerford, Molly Gentry McCann, and Brenda Eichner, and two great-grandchildren Amber Valentine and Garrett Gitlitz.

Survivors include three daughters: Sandra (Bob) Eichner of Denver, Colo., Diana McIntosh and special friend Rick Nielsen and Peggy (Jerry) Ready, all of Ogallala. Twenty grandchildren, 42 great-grandchildren, two great-great-grandchildren, and nieces & nephews.

The family has requested no viewing and cremation was chosen. The memorial service will be Friday, January 6, 2012, at 2 p.m. in Draucker Funeral Home. Rev. Chuck Rager of the Ogallala First United Methodist Church will officiate. A memorial has been established in his name. Inurnment will take place at a later date in the Hyannis Cemetery. Online Condolences may be sent by clicking here.

Draucker Funeral Home of Ogallala is in charge of arrangements.