Ernest B. Smethers Jr. Obituary (1921 - 2016)

Ernest B. Smethers Jr., 95 years of age, of Beatrice passed away peacefully at his home on Thursday afternoon, December 15, 2016 surrounded by his family. He was born July 6, 1921 in Beatrice to Emma (Bott) and Ernest Smethers Sr. Ernest was a 1939 graduate of Beatrice High School, attended Wentworth Military Academy from 1939-1941, and then graduated from the University Of Nebraska in 1943. Ernest served his country in the United States Army from March 5, 1943-February 22, 1946, was awarded the Bronze Star having served in Holland, Belgium and Germany with a heavy weapons company. Following the war, he owned and operated a sporting goods store, and then worked 25 1/2 years for the United States Postal Service, retiring in 1981. Ernest married Neva Fisher on January 30, 1948. Ernest was a longtime member of the Christ Episcopal Church where he served three terms on the vestry; member of several organizations include the Eagles, Arie 531, BPOE #619, VFW, American Legion, Beatrice Country Club, and Youth Recreation Inc. Survivors include daughters Stephannie Perkins and husband Terry, Barbara Smethers-Brenden and husband Kyle, and Jane Smethers, all of Beatrice; 2 granddaughters, Kelley Winter and husband Chad of Lincoln, and Katie Nichols and husband Josh of Smyrna, GA; 4 great grandchildren, Reagan and Burke Winter, and Teddy and Cricket Nichols; step grandson Josh Brenden; sisters in law Phoebe Fisher of Beatrice and Dorothy Hess of Colorado Springs, Colorado; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents Emma (Bott) and Ernest Smethers Sr.; wife Neva Smethers (2004); sister Helen Pagels and husband Harry; and step mother Gloria Smethers. A Celebration Of Life Memorial Service will be held at 11:30 AM Friday, December 30, 2016 at the Christ Church Episcopal in Beatrice with Reverend Marilyn Hasemann officiating. Private family inurnment will be in the Evergreen Home Cemetery at a later date. There will be no viewing as cremation has taken place, but a register book will be available from 9-6:00 PM Thursday, December 29, 2016 at the Griffiths-Hovendick Chapel. A memorial has been established to Christ Church Episcopal, Beatrice Community Hospital Foundation (Hospice), and the Beatrice Humane Society with the funeral home in charge. Sign his online guest book and view his video tribute after completed at www.ghchapel.com. These services have been entrusted to the Griffiths-Hovendick Chapel in Beatrice.