Elbert Bruce Smith

Lifelong Lexington/Johnson Lake resident E. Bruce Smith sailed into the sunset on December 7, 2024, a day that will be remembered by his family and friends with whom he had innumerable conversations wherein his wit, wisdom and amazing sense of humor shone. Bruce was born on September 18, 1937, in Lexington to Elbert H. Smith and Alma L. Smith (Hubbard). Bruce grew up with his older sister Genevieve (German), younger brother Steve and his little sister Margery (Woodman). 

After graduating from Lexington High School in 1955, he enrolled at the University of Nebraska - Lincoln, took time off to join the U.S. Army serving in Turkey. Upon returning to the states and to UNL, Bruce completed his undergraduate degree. Most significantly, during this time Bruce was asked to attend a party at the Lexington Hospital by a beautiful nurse, that being Lynn M. Thoreen. Fatefully, Bruce accepted the invitation and he and Lynn were married on December 28, 1962. 

After graduating from the University of Nebraska - Lincoln, College of Law, Bruce and Lynn returned to Lexington where he joined his father’s law firm and began his career serving the needs of the people and his community. Bruce later went on to have his own law practice as well as partnering with longtime attorney William (Bill) Stewart.  

As a general practice attorney, Bruce was active in the areas of criminal defense, family law, estate planning as well as litigation in the state and appellate courts. He served his community as a board member during the formation of Tri-County Hospital. He succeeded his father as counsel for the Dawson County Public Power District for the next 45 years, retiring in 2017. He led initiatives at Johnson Lake and provided guidance to Johnson Lake Development Inc. Bruce and Lynn were active members of Grace Lutheran and always looked forward to weekly bible studies with their church friends. 

As gifted as he was professionally, his true passion was enjoying life and people he knew. Bruce was a talented sailor, voracious reader and enjoyed outdoor sports including snow skiing, water skiing and bicycling. Bruce always had a story, joke or poem to share with a listening ear. His children knew he was the funniest guy in the world. The love of his life is Lynn Marie Smith, and they shared a love affair for the ages. They raised children, created and nurtured a household that supported them, attended all of the athletic events and dance recitals, spent summers at the lake and had fun-filled vacations. It was all a wonderful, amazing thing that just kept getting better and better as the days and years went on. 

Bruce was preceded in death by his parents Elbert and Alma Smith and his sister Genevieve. 

Bruce is survived by his sweetheart Lynn of 62 years and his children Burke (Shelly)Smith, Stacy (Chris) Neil, and Stefany (Jeff) Bowden; his brother Steve (Gloria) Smith and sister Margery (Steve) Woodman, 6 grandchildren Emma, Claire, Ethan, Taryn, Elaine and great grand-daughter Sophie. 

A memorial book signing will be held on Thursday, January 30, 2025, at Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington, with family receiving guests from 5-7 p.m.

A celebration of life service with military honors will be held on Friday, January 31, 2025, at 12:00 p.m. at Grace Lutheran Church in Lexington, Nebraska.

Memorials are kindly suggested to the Grace Lutheran Church in Lexington.

Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington is honored to assist the family with arrangements. Please share online condolences with the family by visiting: reynoldslovefuneralhome.com