Melvin Leon Smith, 93 passed away Saturday February 3, 2024 at the Western Nebraska Veterans Home. A memorial service will be held Saturday, February 10 at 10:00 am at the Veteran’s Home Chapel with military honors. Per Melvin’s wishes cremation has taken place. Memorials in Melvin’s name can be made to the Western Nebraska Veteran’s Home. Fond memories and condolences may be left at www.dugankramer.com. Dugan Kramer Funeral Chapel is assisting with services.
Melvin was born February 7, 1930 in his parent’s home northeast of Minatare to Roscoe L Smith and Myrtle (Tyron) Smith.
Melvin joined the National Guard for a short time and then joined the US Army where he later received an honorable medical discharge.
At age 19, he met and married Violet D Fankhauser on May 22, 1949 at Rushville, NE to this union two daughters, Dianne and Gloria, were born. They moved to Graham, Washington in 1950 to work at the Mt. Rainier Ordinance Depot in Tacoma where Melvin repaired Army tanks. In 1960, they moved back to Nebraska. In 1963, Melvin started a land leveling business and retired from that in 1993.
Melvin is survived by his two daughters Dianne Kreiling and Gloria Walters; grandchildren Brent Kreiling of Scottsbluff, Brandon (Jodi) Kreiling of Omaha, Kara (Raymond) Lemoine of Mitchell, eleven great grandchildren and his canine companion Misty.
Melvin was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 69 years Violet, his son-in-law David Kreiling, his parents and all of his siblings.
A special thank you to the staff of the Western Nebraska Veteran’s Home for the loving care they gave Melvin. They became family to him and we will be forever grateful.