Paul Richard Smith

Paul was born on July 22, 1939, in Omaha, Nebraska to Elmer Arthur and Loretta May (Hubbard) Smith. He was the fifth of eight children.

Paul graduated from Omaha South in 1957. Following graduation he became an electrician and was a member of the IBEW Local 22. He was united in marriage to Mary Ann Boardman on June 13, 1959. To this union they were blessed with four children: Richard, Michael, James and Julie.

Paul and Mary Ann moved to the farm near Springfield in 1971, where they resided until they retired to Arkansas in 1999. They enjoyed traveling and spending time at Bull Shoals Lake. They returned to the Omaha area in 2016 prior to the passing of Mary Ann.

Paul served on the Sarpy County Fair Board for 30 years, was a 4-H leader, and served on the building committee for the Springfield United Methodist Church. He was a giver of his time and lived to help others.

On December 24, 2017, he married Shirley Santee and together they resided in Springfield. They enjoyed attending brother/sister lunches, as well as cousin lunches together. They also enjoyed traveling to Virginia and Arkansas to visit friends, as well as short trips to visit family.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Mary Ann, his brothers Walt, Bob, Donnie, and sister Bev.

Left to cherish his memory: wife Shirley and her family, as well as Paul’s family including son Richard (Esther) of Holdrege, son Michael (Lori) of Springfield, son James (Gayle) of Gretna, daughter Julie (Mark) Stagemeyer of Arapahoe, brother Emmett (Phyllis) Smith, sister Dee (Dave) Barber, and sister Carol Hobbs.

Grandchildren: Hannah (Ryne) Osowski, Nicholas Smith, Benjamin Smith, Jared Smith, Nathan Smith, Jessica Stagemeyer, Chelsea (Matthew) Hageman, and Justin (Aubriel) Stagemeyer.

Great-Grandchildren: Harper Smith, Meyer Hageman, Blakely, Hayden, Greyson, and Easton Stagemeyer.

As well many sister in-laws and brother in-laws, along with many nieces, nephews, and extended family.

VISITATION at First United Methodist Church, 480 Main Street, Springfield, Nebraska 68059, on May 14, 2026, from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm. FUNERAL SERVICE at First United Methodist Church on May 15, 2026, at 10:30 am. A Committal Service will be held at Fairview Cemetery, Papillion.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial contributions be made in honor of Paul to Springfield First United Methodist Church Memorial Fund or Sarpy County Ag Society.