Norman ""Bud G. Smith

Bud died on Dec. 24, 2007 at his home in Chadron after a year long battle with cancer. Friends are invited to join the family for a celebration of his life on Sunday,Dec. 30 at an Open House to be held from 1-3 p.m. at the National Guard Armory, 485 East 12th St (on Chadron State College Campus). Bud was born on July 8, 1936 in Seneca, NE to Harley V. and Alice G. Smith. He attended school in Scottsbluff, graduating from Scottsbluff High School in 1955. After his marriage to Margie Ann Schoolcraft on July 11, 1956, he began his career as an Auto Body Technician at Kramer Motors in Scottsbluff. He and his family also lived in Alliance and Bridgeport over the years. Upon moving to Chadron in 1983, Bud and his son-in-law David Fisher opened A-1 Body Shop. He owned and operated the business until his retirement in 2005. He served 15 years in Nebraska National Guard, 168th Field Artillery Battalion, Service Battery in Gering, earning the rank of Sergeant First Class. Bud had many interests. He restored classic cars and was an avid collector of memorabilia and antiques. He loved plants and raised beautiful roses. A sports enthusiast, he was involved with girl’s softball for 38 years, coaching teams in Scottsbluff, Bridgeport, and Chadron. The last year of his life, he spent many hours playing with his great grandson, Michael David Fisher.Bud is survived by his wife Margie Ann of Chadron, daughters Ann Denise Karpinsky and husband Greg of Parrish, Florida, Peggy Lynn Smith and husband Tom Shrewsbury of Alliance and son Randall Gene Smith and wife Julie from Hot Springs, S.D.,grandchildren, Jordyn and Stacia Smith, Sean Fisher and wife Nicole Hannah Wessel, Kimberly and Robert Frankel, Tye, Mandy and Kaylee Shrewsbury, Brandy Shaw and Johnny Wilcher and 12 great grandchildren; sisters Nita and husband Father Gary Young of Scottsbluff, Karin and husband Mel Green of Torrington, WY., Cindy Colerick of Scottsbluff, and brother Harley R. Smith of Scottsbluff and 14 nieces and nephews. .Bud was preceded in death by his parents, Harley and Alice Smith and sisters, Rita Miller of Scottsbluff and Neva Jones of Mitchell.