Richard Smock

A memorial service for Dick Smock will be held on Thursday, February 20, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at the Nelson-Bauer Funeral Home in Holdrege, Nebraska, with Pastor Brad Perry officiating.  Military Honors provided by the Martin-Horn American Legion Post #66 and the Army National Guard Honor Guard.

A private inurnment will be held at Fort McPherson National Cemetery rural Maxwell, Nebraska.

Richard W. "Dick" Smock, 75 years of age, passed away on Wednesday, February 5, 2025, at Mary Lanning Health Care in Hastings, Nebraska.  He was born in St. Paul, Nebraska, on November 8, 1949, the seventh of eight children born to Oran and Grace (Heine) Smock.   His family moved to Cozad, Nebraska, and Dick attended Cozad Public Schools and graduated from Cozad High School, with the class of 1967.  While in school he played football and was a wrestler.

On February 20, 1970, Dick enlisted into the United States Army.  He served during the Vietnam War and was stationed in Germany.  Dick received the National Defense Medal and was a decorated Sharpshooter.  He was honorably discharged on March 14, 1972, and then served in the Army Reserves until 1975.
He was married to Diana (Gerdes) Perkins and they were blessed with two children: James and Valoree; and two step-daughters:  Dena and Jessica. The family made their home in the Cozad area.

He enjoyed hunting, fishing, playing Keno, horse shoes, darts, and shooting pool. He also rode a horse for the Dawson County Sheriff's Posse for many years. Dick owned and operated The Office Bar in Cozad and then worked for Ed's Electric and Plumbing for many years, up until his retirement in March 2022.

Dick was preceded in death by his parents; and his siblings:  Eugene and Judy Smock; Ervin and Donna Smock; Jackie and Ward Slater; Carl Smock; and Judy Smock; and one sister-in-law, Regina Smock.

Dick is survived by two children:  James Smock of Salem, Massachusetts; and Valoree Smock of Conway, Arkansas; two step-daughters:  Dena Favinger of Cozad; and Jessica Friesen and husband, Darren of Grand Island, Nebraska; his siblings:  Dale Smock of Lincoln; and Clara Arfmann and her partner, Wayne Pelan of Lincoln, Nebraska; long-time friend, Patricia Sheneman of Holdrege; five grandchildren; one great-grandson; sister-in-law, Ree Smock of McCook, Nebraska; along with nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

There will not be a visitation, viewing or memorial book signing the evening prior to the memorial service.  Dick's family has chosen cremation.

Memorials in Dick's honor are suggested to the family for future designation.

Expressions of caring and kindness can be sent to the family at www.nelsonbauerfh.com

The Nelson-Bauer Funeral Home in Holdrege is in charge of the arrangements.