Thomas Smith

 Thomas H. Smith, 79 of Kearney passed away Wednesday, April 22, 2026 at Mother Hull Home in Kearney. A celebration of life will be held at 12 p.m. Monday, April 27, 2026 at the Kearney American Legion.
Memorials are suggested to the family for future designation. Condolences may be shared online at www.osrfh.com. Services are entrusted to O’Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral and Cremation Services.
Tom was born March 11, 1947 in Hamilton County, to Thomas and Adah (Lancaster) Smith. He grew up in Aurora and graduated from Aurora High School. Tom was united in marriage to Ardith Menke in August of 1967 at the Ellis Methodist Church in Ellis.
Tom served in the U.S. Army from June of 1970 until January of 1972. Following his honorable discharge, he then served 18 years in the Nebraska National Guard. He was a proud member of the Kearney American Legion and the Veterans Memorial Wall Committee.
Tom was employed for 43 years at Kearney YRTC as a Correctional Counselor Supervisor and Assistant Superintendent.  In retirement, Tom enjoyed spending time “working out”.
Tom was very active in his three sons’ sports activities, baseball, track, soccer and wrestling.
Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Ardith Smith of Kearney; sons, TJ (Amy) Smith, Ryan Smith and Brett Smith; 11 grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren.
Tom was preceded in death by his parents; 4 brothers; 3 sisters-in-law; one brother-in-law; and his mother-in-law and father-in-law.