Edward Smith

Edward Smith was born on March 3, 1949, to Edwin and Joyce (Bowes) Smith in Lancaster County, Lincoln, Nebraska. He was the second of three children and spent most of his life in Lincoln until he met the love of his life, Jacalyn (Coutts) Smith. Together they built a life full of love, faith, and family-raising four children, adopting two more, and opening their hearts and home to many foster children over the years, some of whom became lifelong members of the family.

Edward devoted the majority of his life to serving as an ordained minister. His love for Jesus knew no bounds. He loved his family and God with all of his heart. Now, he is at peace and pain-free in Heaven.

He had a special love for animals, especially his beloved dogs-Pup Dog, Laddy, Cassie, Teddy, and Tracy. Edward was known for his silliness and quirky sense of humor, which brought joy to everyone around him. He enjoyed reading his Bible, writing poetry, and creating imaginative stories, especially the adventures of "Toothless Turtle," which delighted his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Edward's hobbies reflected his love for life and the outdoors. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, welding, coaching the church softball team, and gardening. One of his favorite places was Hastings Lake, where he found peace and joy in the beauty of nature.

Edward is preceded in death by his parents, Edwin Smith and John & Joyce Dietz; his sister, Pam Finney; brother-in-law, Larry Ragon; and sister-in-law, Peggy Post.

He is survived by his loving wife, Jacalyn Smith; children Shawn Smith, Christopher (Jodie) Smith, Shandas (Jerry) Loneman, Jennifer Smith, and foster son John Griffith; his sister Nora Ragon; sisters-in-law Marcia (Kenny) Henry and Melissa (David) Ekstein; brother-in-law Terry Post; and numerous nieces and nephews including Dan (Nicole) Ragon, Cheryl (Doug) Appleby, James Finney, David Finney, James Post, Marcia Post, Trevor Post, Tracy Post, Angie Henry, Matt Henry, Josh Henry, Samantha Coutts, Jessica Ekstein, and Brittnay (Samuel) Sheltrown.

He is also survived by his grandchildren: Heather (Jared) Jacobson, Sydney Loneman, Hannah (CJ) Cacy, Sierra Smith, Jordan Smith, Tyler Moran, Hallie (Bill) Hurst, Kelsey Speake Smith, Christin Smith, Taylor Moran, Tyler Holdeman, Andre Loneman, Caleb Moran, Tristin (Saraii) Speake, Breelyn Griffith, Brooke Smith, Nathan Kuester, Jasmine (Mo) Idris, Savannah Dittmer, Trevor Dittmer, and Madison Smith; along with 28 great-grandchildren and many great-nieces and great-nephews who will cherish his memory forever.

Edward's legacy of faith, laughter, and unconditional love will continue to live on through the many lives he touched.