Richard Dean Smith

     Richard Dean Smith was born Feb. 2, 1954 in Broken Bow, NE to Harry J. and Margaret (Wilkinson) Smith. He died Feb. 10, 2019 at his home in Ansley, NE at the age of 65.

     When Rich was very young, he developed Muscular Dystrophy, a crippling disease which also plagued several others in the Wilkinson Family, including his mother and brother.

     Rich grew up and attended schools at Loup City NE. and Ansley NE. where he graduated with the Class of '72.

     After graduation, Rich worked at Shada's Market, sacking and carrying out groceries until he physically could not do it any longer.

     Rich was a fisherman all his life. Even when he was young, he joined in on the Smith Family fishing at the Ansley Park. As an adult, he would take his boat to the same park and you could drive by and see him out fishing. One of the highlights of his life was when Karl & Jeff Miller took him to Canada fishing. They also took him other places in Nebraska to fish.

     Rich loved to play cards. As a youngster, he played pitch regularly at his Grandpa and Grandma Wilkinson's house. In later years, he played with the men at the Ansley End Zone. He also loved to play cribbage. Rich was very competitive playing cards and did not like to lose.

     Every July, Rich attended the Annual Smith Family Reunion; eating his share of Karen's kolaches and taking leftovers home.

     Rich was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Bob Smith of McCook, NE; Grandparents Jess and Mary Wilkinson and Harry and Mary Smith; and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.

     He is survived by his nephew, Adam Smith and sister-in-law, Ernestine Smith of McCook; one uncle, Larry Smith of Blue Springs, NE; numerous cousins and friends.

     Memorial graveside services will be Saturday, July 27, 2019, at 3:00 PM at the Northwest corner of the Ansley Cemetery in Ansley, NE.