Max Earl Smith, age 89 of McCool Junction, NE died Friday, January 30, 2026 in York, NE. He was born on September 17, 1936 to Carl and Marguerite (Bailey) Smith in York and was united in marriage to Norma Diehl on April 29, 1956 in Raton, New Mexico
Max spent his life serving the community he called home. He served for many years on the McCool Junction School Board and was a faithful member of the McCool Junction Community Church, where he also served on the church board. A hardworking and proud cattleman, he was honored by the York County Cattlemen’s Association as Cattleman of the Year. Max was an Army veteran and proudly served on the color guard for the McCool Junction American Legion Ronald Porter Post #341. A role that reflected his service and respect for his country.
He is survived by his wife of 69 years, Norma Smith of McCool Junction; children Rondalyn (Robert) Mitchell of Omaha, NE; Boyd (Lori) Smith of Sun City West, Arizona; Rita (Marlin) Lyon of Lincoln, NE; grandchildren Trevor (Jenny) Smith of York; Nick Mitchell of Omaha; Morgan (Kevin) Schnorbach of Scottsdale, Arizona; Samantha Lyon of Lincoln; Jack Lyon and special friend Elissa Miller of Omaha; great grandchildren Kenley and Kason Smith of York. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and a host of friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Jerome, sister-in-law Beverly Smith, granddaughter Amanda Mitchell, and nephew Glen Smith.
Funeral services are scheduled for 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, February 3, 2026 at the McCool Junction Community Church in McCool Junction with the Reverend Herb Borger officiating. Interment with military honors will follow in York’s Greenwood cemetery. A closed casket visitation will be held from 2:30-8 p.m., Monday with his family greeting friends from 6-7:30 p.m. all at the mortuary in York. In lieu of flowers or plants memorials may be directed to the McCool Junction Community Church or to the McCool Junction American Legion Ronald Porter Post #341.