Clifford Dean “Cliff” Smith, 74, of North Platte, passed away November 28, 2021 at Great Plains Health. He was born on December 8, 1946 to Robert and Signa (Patterson) Smith in Kearney.
Cliff went to school in Maxwell before moving to North Platte. He graduated from North Platte High School with the class of 1965. He married Linda Kincheloe on July 3, 1966 in North Platte. He enlisted in the United States Army in October 1966 and served in Germany.
After the military, Cliff returned to Ogallala and worked at TRW. He moved back to North Platte in 1969 and hired on with the Union Pacific Railroad. In his 38-year career, Cliff worked as a switchman-brakeman, yardmaster, trainmaster, and served as UTU 200 Union Griever, retiring as a switchman in 2007.
Cliff loved woodworking, golf and fishing with the grandkids. He was maybe a little obsessive with his yard. He played on a pool league and was a Nebraska Cornhusker football fan (in the good years). Cliff always had a cuss jar that his nieces profited from. He always made others laugh and he had a contagious laugh. Cliff’s family was the center of his life, especially his grandkids. He will be remembered as a great hugger.
Survivors include wife, Linda of North Platte; children, Jeff (Lisa) Smith of Phoenix, AZ, Lesha (Matt) Vieyra of North Platte; grandchildren, Briana Navarrete of Lincoln, Riley (Christina) Vieyra of North Platte, Westyn (Morgan) Smith of Phoenix, AZ, Peyton (Lauren) Vieyra of North Platte, Shaylee (P.J.) Smith of Phoenix, AZ; great grandson, Liam Navarrete; honorary grandchildren, Breanna Wade, Wyatt Howery, Brelee Hallsted, Miles Hallsted; sisters, Marsha Lavato of Omaha, Kathy Edwards of Tuscon, AZ, Jacque (Terry) Young of Illinois, Londa (Harry) Haythorn of Maxwell, and Carmen Knox Edwards; numerous other family members and many friends.
Cliff was preceded in death by parents, Robert and Signa Smith, Marshall and Francis Edwards; sister, Vivian (Dwain) Pell; niece, Cindy Pell; brothers, Howard Smith and Charles Edwards.
Memorials are suggested to Callahan Cancer Center. Online condolences may be shared at www.adamsswanson.com.
Services will be held 1:00 P.M., Monday, December 6, 2021 and Adams & Swanson Funeral Home with Job Vigil officiating. Inurnment will follow at Fort McPherson National Cemetery near Maxwell. Visitation will be held noon-7:00, with family present 5:00-7:00, Thursday, December 2, 2021 at Adams & Swanson Funeral Home which is in charge of arrangements. The service will be live streamed via the Adams & Swanson Funeral Home Facebook page for those unable to attend.