Joel Lee Smith

Joel L. Smith, age 52, of Auburn, NE, passed away Friday, June 3, 2005, at Bryan LGH Hospital in Lincoln, NE. Funeral services for Joel L. Smith will be held Wednesday, June 8, at 10:30 a.m. at the Brock Methodist Church in Brock, NE. Committal Service will be at the Lafayette Cemetery near Brock, NE. He is survived by his wife Sylvia Smith of Auburn, NE; children, Matthew Smith of Auburn, NE; Nicole Smith of Auburn, NE; Meredith Smith of Auburn, NE; parents Max and Loretta Smith of Auburn, NE; brother Dale Smith of Lincoln, NE; and sister Barbara Mecklem of Lyman, NE; Visitation for Joel L. Smith is scheduled for Tuesday, June 7, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Hall Funeral Chapel in Auburn; NE. Joel L. Smith Age: 52 At Rest: Friday, June 3, 2005

Funeral Service Held: Wednesday, June 8, 2005 • 10:30 a.m. Methodist Church • Brock , NE

Officiating: Pastor: Cathy Burchett Valjean Warman

Organist: Deanne Gerking

Pallbearers: Sam Smith Mark Boellstorff Kent Badgett Dale Smith John Gilbert David Mecklem

Honorary Pallbearers: Tom Dupree Duane Palmer Bob Smith Leland Snyder Melvin Snyder David Gravatt

Music: singers, Jere Gravatt Phyllis Gravatt Erin Robertson Jana Smith Interment: Lafayette Cemetery Brock, NE

OBITUARY

Joel Lee Smith son of Max F. Smith and Loretta (Snyder) Smith was born November 1, 1952 in Nebraska City, NE. He was one of four children born to this marriage. Joel attended school in Brock, NE. and graduated from Johnson Brock High School in 1971. He was united in marriage to Sylvia Burtis on March 30, 1980. to this marriage three children were born. Joel and his family lived on a farm northwest of Auburn, NE. He was active on the Nemaha County Rural Water Board # 2, and was a rural mail carrier for Brownville and Nemaha for many years. Joel loved farming, water skiing and boating when he could find the time. Joel was a life long member of the Brock Methodist Church. He was a member of the Brock Fire Dept. He was devoted husband and loving father and will be deeply missed. On Friday, June 3, 2005 Joel was returning home from his mail route, when his vehicle was struck by another car at an intersection just one mile from his home. Joel was taken to the Nemaha County Hospital and was transported to Bryan LGH West in Lincoln, NE it is there that due to complications he passed away. Joel had reached the age of 52 years. His brother William preceded him in death. Those left to mourn his passing are his wife Sylvia Smith of Auburn, NE; children Matthew Smith, Nicole Smith and Meredith Smith all of Auburn,NE; parents Max and Loretta Smith of Auburn, NE brother Dale Smith of Lincoln, NE; and sister Barbara Mecklem of Lyman, NE.

Final Harvest Barbara W. Weber

He was bound to the land from the day of his birth. His roots anchored deep in the fertile earth. Nurtured, Sustained, by the soil he grew. And his life, like his furrows ran straight and true. In faith, each spring, he planted the seeds. In hope to reap his family’s needs. With patience he waited for the harvest to come. To gather the fruits of his labor home. Ever turning seasons, the years sped past, Till the final harvest came at last. Then claimed anew by the beloved sod. He was gathered home to be with god.

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