Roger E. Smith, age 87 of Nebraska City, NE passed away on Monday, January 5, 2026 in Nebr. City.

Roger Eugene Smith was born on December 13, 1938 in Mound City, MO; the son of Marlin B. and Ermil Evelyn Alkire.  He grew up in the Mound City area, graduating from Bellevue High School, north of Mound City in 1956.

Roger was united in marriage to Barbara Jean Mendenhall on January 18, 1959 in Mound City and to this union three children were born:  John, Janet and Joyce. 

He worked as a Feed Sales Representative for Walnut Grove Products for over 40 years.  Roger was dedicated to his customers and enjoyed driving around the countryside to check on all of them.  He had a passion for horses, always owning one or more.  He was a horse breeder and belonged to the American Quarter Horse Association.  He was also very knowledgeable about other livestock, such as cattle and pigs. 

Roger and Barbara moved to Nebraska City in 1965 and to Dunbar in 1968, where they lived for more than 20 years, before returning to Nebr. City in 1990.  He was very active in the Dunbar Community where he belonged to the Dunbar Presbyterian Church and was a steadfast friend to those in the community.  He loved his family and was proud of all their accomplishments, always encouraging them in whatever they did.

Roger is survived by his wife of nearly 67 years, Barbara Smith of Nebr. City; children:  John Smith (Carol) of Hallsville, MO, Janet Henderson (Neal) of Bellevue, NE and Joyce Aherin (Dennis) of Phillipsburg, KS; six grandchildren:  Melody Snodgrass (Ethan), Nathan Smith, Christina Prelle (Caleb), Nicole Bourne (Harrison), Dustin Aherin (Cassie), and Tanner Aherin (Darby); ten great-grandchildren; brother Franklin Smith (Janice) of Lincoln, NE; other family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, great-granddaughter Jael Snodgrass, sister Eva Mae Miller (Jackie) and brother Leon Smith.

A Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, January 9, 2026 at Gude Mortuary in Nebr. City with Pastor Gary Ganger officiating.  Burial will follow at Mt. Hope Cemetery in Mound City, MO at 1:00 p.m.

The family will greet friends from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the mortuary, prior to the service.

Memorials may be directed to the Dunbar Presbyterian Church or the Nebraska City Fire and Rescue.

Remembrances may be left at www.gudefuneralhomes.com.

Gude Mortuary is in charge of the arrangements.