Blaine Adair Smith Sr., age 91, of North Platte, Nebraska, passed away Monday, April 27, 2026, at home surrounded by his loving family.

Blaine was born in North Platte on September 22, 1934, to Harold and Leita (Messersmith) Smith. Blaine grew up in North Platte, graduating from North Platte High School in 1952. Shortly after graduating, Blaine was inspired to join the Nebraska National Guard in January of 1953. Later that same year on June 21, Blaine married his high school sweetheart and love of his life, Juanita Dircksen. To this union, was born their beloved children Blaine Jr., Brenda, and Bethany, who they proudly watched grow over their 72 years of marriage.

In 1956, Blaine was honorably discharged. A year later, he and his wife moved to Sidney, NE, where he began working for Halliburton. He continued to work for them through his move to Kimball, NE, in 1958. Finally, Blaine moved to North Platte in 1960, where he built his forever home with his family. In North Platte, Blaine began working for the Union Pacific Railroad before moving on to work for Nebraska Public Power District. He returned to the Railroad later in life as an electrician and worked there till his retirement in 1999. Blaine also worked at his father’s business, H. C. Smith Construction, using his talent for carpentry to build or remodel many homes in North Platte and the surrounding area.

Blaine loved music, especially easy listening and big band, and regularly attended the Community Concert Series. Blaine was a devout Christian and was a member of Parkview Church of the Nazarene for over 60 years. Blaine was an avid Husker fan and never stopped cheering for Husker Football and Nebraska Volleyball through every high and low. But most of all, Blaine will be remembered as a family man, a devoted husband, and a loving father. He loved being around his family, telling jokes and seeing smiles. He loved playing table games and even got one last victory in marbles before his passing. He leaves behind many fond memories of laughter and comradery with all who knew him.

Those left to cherish Blaine’s memory are his wife Juanita; children Blaine A. (Linda nee Blevins) Smith of West Chicago, IL, Brenda (Frank) Buzydlowski of Philadelphia, PA, and Bethany (Steve) Magner of North Platte, NE; five grandchildren Angela (Chase) Rogers, Aaron (Yamuna Phal) Smith, Adam Smith, Joshua Magner, and Lauren (Stephen) Welsh; five great-grandchildren Bailey, Roman, Joaquin and Bellamy Rogers and Jonah Smith; and many more extended family and friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents Harold and Leita and three brothers Donlay, Gordon, and Drexel Smith.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, May 2, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at Carpenter Memorial Chapel with Pastor James Trippett officiating. Burial will follow at Floral Lawns Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Parkview Community Church (1802 N Jeffers St, North Platte, NE 69101).