Robert R. Smith, 71, of Harrisburg, passed away Friday, October 15, 2010 at Regional West Medical Center in Scottsbluff.  His funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, October 23, 2010 at the First United Methodist Church in Scottsbluff with Pastor Ken Boston officiating.  Interment will follow at the Harrisburg Cemetery with military honors provided by the Nebraska Army National Guard.  Friends may call at Gering Memorial Chapel from 9 a.m. - 8 p.m. Friday.  Memorials may be made to the Banner County Fire Department or the Harrisburg Cemetery Association.  Tributes of sympathy may be left at www.geringchapel.com.

Robert was born May 15, 1939 at home in Banner County, to Lawrence Bernard Smith and Anna Marie Kemerling.  He received his early education at the Scott County School, graduating from Banner County high school in 1957.  He married Winnifred Downer on September 5, 1960, at the Harrisburg Community Church by the Rev. Charles Bonds.  They made their home in Gering for a short time and then moved to Harrisburg in 1962 where they have resided ever since.  Robert worked for Banner County Schools and later worked for the Banner County road department for 37 years.  He also farmed and ranched.  He will be dearly missed by his family and many friends.

He is survived by his wife, Winnifred, of 50 years; two children, Sandra Louise (Steve) Adrian and Leland Robert Smith; daughter-in-law, Julie Smith; nine grandchildren, Whitnie Adrian, Casey Adrian, Kaitlynn Adrian, Dustin (Abbie) Fulk, Shawn Fulk, Brittany Smith,  Tawnie Smith, Riley Smith, and Torrye Smith; two great granddaughters, Maddisen Olsen and Kamrynne Adrian; step-grandchild, Kyle Makey; sisters, Phyllis Carlson and Shirley Grover; brother, Jim (Charla) Smith; many brother-in-laws and sister-in-laws, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and other extended family members.

Preceding him in death were his parents, L. Bernard and Anna Smith; son, Bernard “Bernie” Smith; granddaughter, Toni Lee Smith; sister, Louise Stammerjohn; parents-in-law, Ila and Robert W. Downer; brother-in-law, Wayne Downer; two nieces; one nephew; and other extended family members.