Ethan Alan Smith

Ethan Alan Smith, 36, of Assumption, Nebraska, passed away on September 26, 2026. He was born on February 15, 1990 in Ord, Nebraska to Raymond and Juanita Smith.

Ethan’s personality was larger than life and his laughter was infectious. He commanded the stage from a very young age, acting in school plays. He loved singing and being a ham for the camera and the crowd. He loved fishing with his brothers in Ericson at his grandma Margaret’s cabin, making silly Halloween horror home videos with his Grandpa and Grandma Young and watching football as all good Cornhuskers do in Nebraska. He also had some peculiar quirks including being a metal detecting enthusiast and like his father, he loved collecting coins.

Ethan attended University of Kearney at Nebraska and was in the Delta Tau Delta fraternity. He was briefly married to Deandra.

Ethan is survived by his mother, Juanita Smith; father, Raymond Smith and stepmother, Diane Smith. His maternal grandmother, Dona Young and his paternal grandmother, Margaret Smith. His brother Colin and sister-in-law Hailey; brother Donald; and brother Josh and sister-in-law Aisha. He also had a large extended family, with many aunts, uncles, and cousins, and friends who will miss him dearly.

He was preceded in death by his paternal grandfather, Donald Smith; maternal grandfather, John Young; and stepbrother, Derick.

A private family internment will be held at later date. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests you donate to your favorite charity, be kind to a stranger, and spend time with your family.

Ethan loved big and never met a stranger. Despite his own struggles, he found peace in Jesus and still found room in his heart to show kindness to others. Some of his final words were messages of love and encouragement to his mother and brother.

We'll carry his spirit with us always.

In Romans 8:38–39, the apostle Paul articulates one of the most profoundly comforting reassurances in Scripture: “For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”