Dr. Robert Smith

Longtime Hastings resident, Dr. Robert C. Smith, 89, passed away Sunday, February 2, 2014 at Mary Lanning Healthcare, Hastings, Nebraska.

A Celebration of Life will be held Friday, February 7, 2014; 10:00 A.M. at First Presbyterian Church, Hastings with Rev. Dr. William Nottage-Tacey officiating. Private family burial will be in Parkview Cemetery, Hastings, Nebraska. There will be no viewing or visitation as remains were cremated at his request. Book signing will be Thursday, February 6, 2014; 9:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M. at the funeral home, and one hour prior to the service at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Hastings Community Foundation in memory of Dr. Robert C. Smith.

Bob was born September 30, 1924 to Florence (Cole) and Arthur Andrew Smith in Hastings, Nebraska. He attended Hastings High School and Wentworth Military Academy. Bob graduated from the University of Nebraska where he was a member of Beta Theta Pi Fraternity. He graduated from the University of Nebraska Medical School. Dr. Smith served as a captain in the army during the Korean War, serving as a surgeon in a MASH unit. Following his tour of duty in Korea he was transferred to Fukuoka. On May 31, 1952 Bob married Sally (Sarah) Jane Pinney. After his discharge from the army, Dr. Smith joined his father in a surgical practice in Hastings. He retired in 1990. Upon his retirement, Sally and Bob traveled to Raxaul, India; serving as medical missionaries. Dr. Smith enjoyed dancing, sailing, wind surfing, scuba diving, traveling and reading. He was past president of Hastings Rotary Club, a member of the American College of Surgeons and a Diplomat of the American Board of Surgery. Bob was a member of the First Presbyterian Church, where he taught Sunday school, was a deacon and elder. He has been a member of the Board of Directors of the American Red Cross, American Cancer Society, Hastings Swim Association, the past District Commissioner of the Boy Scouts of America, and a 60 year member of Shriners International.

Dr. Smith was preceded in death by his parents; and sister, Katherine Schumacher.

Survivors include:
Wife:
Sally Smith - Hastings, NE
Children & Spouses:
Arthur A. Smith - Tucson, AZ
Peggy & Joe Lundeen - Mesa, AZ
Karen & Mark Zaback - Casper, WY
Pam & Glenn Knipscheer - Longmont, CO
Sharon & John Pauli - Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Grandchildren & Spouses:
Sarah & Michael Lisi
Beau & Kelley Eckert
Emily Lundeen
Alex & Kris Lundeen
Katie Zaback & Don Devereux
Andrew Zaback
Rob & Lindsey Zaback
Maggie Zaback
Anna Knipscheer
Timmy Knipscheer
J.C. Pauli
Hilary Pauli
Great-Grandchildren:
5