Obituary Walter Smith

Walter Donald Smith, son of Wayne and Mae (Hardinger) Smith was born on June 8th, 1921 at Westfield, PA. He Pasted on Saturday October 31st, 2009 at the Fillmore County Hospital in Geneva, NE at the age of 88.

As a young boy he attended a rural school near North East, PA, and graduated from North East High School with the class of 1939.

Following graduation he was a foreman for Curtis Aviation. He was drafted into the 370 U.S. Army Air-force Base Unit.

He was given an honorable medical discharge and entered Fitzsimons General Hospital for one and a half years.

Walter received the highest technical training honor from the American Academy School of Horology in Denver, Colorado. As requirement for his certificate in advanced horological studies he assembled his own watch from raw materials and basic stock plates under the supervision of one of Switzerland and America's most noted horologists.

Walter was united in marriage to Clarabelle Kovanda on March 20th, 1948 in the First Methodist Church in Geneva, NE. Following their marriage they made their home in Exeter, NE, where Walter established his business as The Smith's Jewelry for 30 years.

Walter and Clarabelle's home was blessed with a son, David W. Smith and a daughter, Tammy L. Bell, and three grandchildren, Colton Smith, Shelby Bell, and Zakk Smith.

He was a rural mail carrier from 1958 until he retired on July 3rd, 1995.

Walter enjoyed hunting, woodworking, and taking care of his roses. He was a Boy Scout Assistant Leader, volunteer on the Exeter Fire and Rescue Unit. Walter was a 61-year member of the United Methodist Church of Exeter, NE. and served on the church board.

Survived by wife, Clarabelle Smith, Exeter, son David Smith, daughter, Tammy Bell, Exeter. Grandchildren, Colton Smith, Zakk Smith, and Shelby Bell. Sister-in-law, Mary Smith, Sherman, New York. Niece Karen Crosscutt husband and niece, Sherman New York, sister-in-law Maxine Svec, Friend, NE.

He was preceded in dearth by parents, Wayne and Mae Smith, brother Charles Smith. Brother-in-laws,Edward, Charles, Anton, William Kovanda. Ernest, Henry Svec, Edmen and Frank Motis. Sister-in-laws, Alice, Helen Motis, and Mary Svec, Elise and Helen Kovonda.

Funeral services were conducted from the United Methodist Church in Exeter at 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, November 3, 2009 with Pastor Karla Sheffy officiating. Jackie Strauss accompanied the congregational singing of “Amazing Grace”, “The Old Rugged Cross” and “How Great Thou Art”. Casket bearers were David Smith, Colton Smith, Mike Motis, Ernest Motis, Paul Johansen & Dana Bell. Honorary bearers were Mel Motis & Shelby Bell. Graveside services with military flag presentation were conducted at the Exeter Cemetery. Memorials are directed to the Exeter Rescue Squad. Farmer Funeral Home of Exeter was in charge of arrangements.