Roger E. Smith

Roger E. Smith, the son of Charles Ellsworth "Elly" and Jean Evelyn (Creamer) Smith, was born on a Mills County farm near Henderson, Iowa on September 27, 1935. He attended the Benton Country and Hastings Schools. Roger was united in marriage on May 28, 1953 to Sharon S. "Anne" Hudson. Their marriage was blessed with six children: Terry Eugene, Roger Delaine, Philip Scott, Craig Alan, Kelli Janine and Angela Danine.
Roger constantly kept busy providing for his family. He taught his children not to be afraid of working hard to make a place for themselves in this world as he did. He farmed for thirteen years and for a short time drove a semi truck hauling freight around the country. Roger found his niche by working in the heavy highway construction industry. Ten years later in 1976, Roger founded his own company, R. E. Smith & Sons Construction, working jobs in the Iowa, Nebraska and Missouri areas.
While his children were young, he enjoyed many camping trips and taking them to theme parks where, upon entering the gate, Roger became sixteen years old again. Roger also enjoyed watching his children as they participated in school sports and activities. Before the girls were in junior high, the Nishna Valley School sent home a note stating that the junior high basketball program would have to be discontinued due to lack of referees. Unknown to Roger, his wife Anne called the school and volunteered him so the program could continue. He refereed many junior high and junior varsity basketball games for several years. Roger was a member of the "Over 30 Basketball League" and also refereed town team games for many years.
Roger retired from construction in 1990 and he returned to farming a small acreage with two cylinder tractors, his favorite being the John Deere 730. He enjoyed raising a few hogs, many of which he named. He also had a talent for bestowing nicknames upon family members and friends.
In August of 1994, Roger suffered a disabling stroke, which could never affect his sense of humor. He was able to remain at home in Hastings for seven years and then moved to the Manor of Malvern. Roger and Anne celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary at the Manor last May. Roger was always quick to greet family members and friends with a smile and a laugh.
Following an extended illness, Roger passed away early Wednesday morning, May 26, 2004, at the Manor of Malvern. He had attained the age of 68 years, 7 months, and 29 days
Preceding Roger in death were his parents; son Philip in 1984; and grandchildren, infant girl Smith in 1987 and infant boy Smith in 1988. Survivors include his wife Anne of Hastings IA; son, Terry and wife Debra of Malvern, IA; son Delaine and wife Julie of Hastings, IA; son Craig and wife Mary of Hastings, IA; daughter Kelli Huff of Hastings, IA; daughter Angi Pettit and husband Bill of Council Bluffs, IA; sister Cathy Stephens and husband Dale of Malvern, IA; sister-in-law Jeannie Hudson of Hastings, IA; aunt Velma Dalzell of Bellevue, NE; 15 grandchildren; nieces and nephews; other relatives and friends. Roger touched so many lives and will never be forgotten.