Walter Joseph Smith, 87, of Ord passed away on Sunday, December 31, 2023; at the Eastern Nebraska Veterans Home in Bellevue, Nebraska; surrounded by his family and the staff that cared for him like family.

Walter was born April 20, 1936, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to Wilbur A. and Sussia H. (DeCasere) Smith. He was raised in Philadelphia where he received his early education at Jones Northeast Elementary School graduated from Mastbum Technical High School.

Walt served in the United States Air Force from May of 1953 to September of 1957. While in Lincoln, Walt met the love of his life, Marlene Norman. They were united in marriage on November 12, 1956, at Ord, Nebraska. For a short time they lived in Philadelphia and Colorado Springs before settling in Ord. Walt and Marlene raised their family of ten children in Ord.

Walt was an agent for Shelter Insurance and served as the Valley County Veterans Service Officer. He was a well-known sports broadcaster, a very special school bus driver and Santa's best helper.

Walt was a member of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church and sang in the church choir. He was very active in the VFW, DAV and Flag Committee. He also belonged to the Sons of Italy.

Walt was an avid sports fan and enjoyed keeping up with his kids and grandkids.

He is survived by two sons and a daughter-in-law, John of Ord and Tom and Paula of Lincoln; seven daughters and sons-in-law, Karen and Greg Spurck of Omaha, Peg Smith of Omaha, Cathy and Steve Coble of Bassett, Anne and Dean Echtinaw of Omaha, Sue and Jerry Laughlin of South Bend, Patty and Don Schaaf of Omaha and Chris and George Simmerman of Omaha; 18 grandchildren; 27 great-grandchildren; a brother and sister-in-law, Wilbur and Carmella Smith of Williamstown, New Jersey; a sister, Mildren Naticchione of Sicklerville, New Jersey; daughter-in-law, Patty Smith of Fort Collins, Colorado and a " like a daughter", Lynn Lorfida of Omaha.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Marlene who passed away on March 2, 2016; a son, James Smith; great-granddaughter, Alexandria; and a brother, Thomas Smith.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, January 5, 2024; at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church in Ord, Nebraska. Burial will be in the Ord Catholic Cemetery.  Military Honors will be presented by the Ord VFW Post #7029 and American Legion Post #38. Visitation will be held at the church on Thursday from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. The Rosary will be recited at 7:00 p.m.

Memorials are suggested to the family for future designation.