Mark Franklin Smith went to be with his Heavenly Father on November 2, 2023. He passed away peacefully at Bryan Health East, surrounded by his family.

Mark was born in Springfield, Ohio on November 28, 1955, to Franklin (Bud) L and Lena B (Plant) Smith.

He enlisted in the U.S. Army after graduating from Baker High School in Fairborn Ohio. After serving 3 years in the Army, he enlisted in the Ohio National Guard. This is where he met his wife of 43 years Cathy, who enlisted into the same unit (RCAT, Kettering Ohio). They were married on October 11, 1980, in Fairborn, Ohio. God blessed this union with 4 children and 6 grandchildren. Mark worked as an over the road truck driver until he retired in 2016.

Mark loved God, his family, and people. He opened his home to anyone in need. Which included a few stray animals. He enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren. Mark loved creating new recipes and was well known for his cooking, especially his smoked ribs. Other hobbies were watching TV (CSI, NCIS, football, history, and documentaries, to name a few) and gardening.

Mark was a long-time member of Calvary Community Church where he served on the security team. He enjoyed Bible studies and recently attended a men’s retreat with his best friend Abraham.

In September, Mark and Cathy took all their children and grandchildren to Great Wolf Lodge in Kansas City. Thanking God for the precious memories!

Mark is preceded in death by his parents, Franklin (Bud) and Lena Smith, His son Lee Adam, and his brother Eugene. Mother and father -in- law Tilmon and Norma Blair. Brother-in-laws Tim Blair and Gary Packett. Sister-in-law Jenny Blair. Also fur grandbabies, Franky, Cali, Bella, Chance, Princess, and Chopper.

He leaves behind his loving wife Cathy L. (Blair) Smith, children Laticia R. Bergmeier (Nathan), Christopher D. Smith (Jennifer), Matthew J. Smith (Stephanie).  Grandchildren Stormi Fairbanks, Elliot Voogt, Marcelo Smith-Requejo, Asher Lee Smith, Ensley Smith, and Caiden Smith.  Fur grandbabies Henry & Stella Bergmeier, Bud Smith, Ellie Smith, Penelope, Foster, Leah and Lenny Smith.  Siblings Darcy Munroe, Annette Seman, Dianne Kiser (Charles).  In laws Isabel Smith, Randy & Sondra Blair, Jeff & Tracy Blair, Lisa Packett, Cindy Blair, and many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephew, cousins, and friends.

Visitation: 5:00 PM- 8:00 PM, Thursday, November 9, 2023, at Wyuka Funeral Home, 3600 “O” Street, Lincoln, NE 68510.

Funeral Service: 10:30 AM, Friday, November 10, 2023, at Calvary Community Church, 4400 N 1st Street, Lincoln, NE 68521.

Memorials may be donated to the family for future designation.