Eugene Kenneth Smith

Eugene Kenneth Smith, the son of Merlin K. and Vera Patefield Smith, was born May 27, 1941, at his grandparents home near Laurel, Nebraska and died May 24, 2011 at his home in Atlantic, Iowa at the age of 69 years, 11 months and 27 days.
Gene was baptized at the Methodist Church near Laurel, Nebraska and later confirmed at the First Presbyterian Church in Audubon, Iowa. He attended rural school near Laurel and attended high school in Coleridge, Nebraska. Gene then was employed as a farm hand near the Laurel area then later moved to the Audubon area to farm.
On February 14, 1965 he was united in marriage to Linda Thompson at the First Presbyterian Church on Audubon, Iowa. Two sons, Brian and Brent were born to this union. Gene was employed by Melville Farms east of Audubon for a short time and then operated a farm in Guthrie County, Iowa. In 1973, they purchased a farm near Elk Horn, Iowa. They raised livestock and grew grain. Later while farming Gene also was employed in the maintenance department at the McDonalds in Atlantic. He retired from farming on 1986 and worked full time for McDonalds until he retired in 2006. During retirement Gene enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren and attending their sport activities. He also enjoyed traveling, camping and wood working.
Gene was an active member of the United Church of Christ in Atlantic, Iowa.
Preceding him in death in addition to his parents were his brother Roger Smith and his brother-in-law Gary Hocamp.
Survivors include his wife Linda Smith of Atlantic, Iowa; his sons: Brian Smith of Atlantic and special friend Jean Young of Oakland, Iowa; Brent and wife Melinda Smith of De Soto, Iowa; his grandchildren: Samantha Smith of Elkhorn, Nebraska; Brandon Smith and fianc Alicyn Kuhns of Atlantic; Matthew Smith of Atlantic; Taylor Smith of De Soto; his great grandson Justin James Smith of Atlantic; his brothers and sisters: Judy and husband Leon Thompson of Audubon, Iowa; Marilyn Hocamp of Exira, Iowa; Larry and wife Zelda Smith of Carroll, Iowa; Duane Smith; James Smith; Ronald and wife Debbie Smith all of Denison, Iowa; his sisters-in-law: LeAnn and husband Mike Lemberger of Ottumwa, Iowa; Mary Smith of Emmetsburg, Iowa; nieces, nephews other relatives and many friends.

Cemetery:
Interment will be in the Maple Grove Cemetery in Audubon, Iowa at 2:30 P.M.

Visitation:
The family will meet with friends Thursday evening at 5:00 P.M. at the United Church of Christ in Atlantic, Iowa.

Service:
Funeral services will be conducted by Pastor Nancy Jensen on Friday, May 27, 2011, at 11:00 A.M. at the United Church of Christ in Atlantic, Iowa.