Donald Melvin Smith

Donald Melvin Smith, age 90, passed away Monday, March 26, 2018 at Community Hospital in McCook, NE.

Donald was born at Fort Morgan, CO to parents Patrick M. and Catherine A. (Chandler) Smith on August 5, 1927.  The family later moved to a ranch north of Haigler, NE where Donald also attended a small country school.

On April 12, 1947, Donald married Mary Jeanette (Leech) Bullock in Benkelman, NE. To this union two children were born, Melvin Eugene and Patricia Ann. The family continued to farm north of Haigler until 1968 when they moved to McCook in order to focus on their sales business.

Collecting arrowheads and working in his garden were favorite pastime of Donald’s.  He also enjoyed having coffee with his buddies and spending time with his grandchildren.

Survivors include one son, Melvin Smith of Woodbine, IA; one daughter, Patricia Ann (Duane) Fortkamp of Kearney, NE; three grandchildren, Kevin (Samantha Pope) Smith of Atlantic, IA, Kathy (Kyle) Smidt of Kearney and Michael (Jeanette) Fortkamp of Ponca City, OK, eight great-grandchildren, Ashley Smith, Ryker Smith, Ashlyn Smidt, Wyatt Smidt, Matthew Fortkamp, Morgan Fortkamp, Marcus Fortkamp, and Kourtney Lovelady.

Preceding him in death were his wife, Mary Smith and his parents, Patrick and Catherine Smith.

Memorial services will be 10:30 AM CDT on Saturday, June 30, 2018 at Carpenter Breland Funeral Home with Rev. Lonnie R. Fletcher officiating. Burial will be in the Haigler Cemetery at 1:30 MDT.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given in his name.