Vaughn Vohland Smith, 79, of Lexington, passed away on Thursday, March 26, 2026, at his home surrounded by his loving family.

He was born on July 17, 1946, in Kearney, Nebraska, to Victor and Emma (Burchell) Smith. Vaughn was raised in the Shelton area, where he graduated from Shelton High School with the Class of 1964. He went on to enlist in the United States Navy shortly after graduation and proudly served his country during the Vietnam War.

Following his honorable discharge, Vaughn returned to the Shelton/Giltner area. In 1970, he was united in marriage to Martha (Marty) Zavala, and together they welcomed three children: Jason, Jeremy, and Amy. In 1980, Vaughn and his family moved to Lexington, where he began a career at Sperry New Holland until its closing. He later transitioned to Monroe’s in Cozad, where he dedicated over 30 years until his retirement. In 2008, Vaughn was remarried to Cathy Gordon, and the couple resided in Arkansas before moving back to Lexington in 2023 to be closer to family.

Vaughn greatly enjoyed learning about world history and spent much of his time watching National Geographic documentaries of all kinds, he was truly a history buff. When he wasn’t watching a documentary, he enjoyed following his favorite sports teams or spending time with his pets. He loved visiting the library and always left with a new history book or a good Clive Cussler novel to enjoy. One of his favorite pastimes was being outdoors, enjoying the fresh air and tinkering in his garage. Vaughn had an ornery sense of humor and could often be called out for hiding a card or two while playing UNO. Above all, family meant everything to him, and he cherished being part of his grandchildren’s lives.

Survivors include his wife, Cathy Smith of Lexington; children, Jason Smith of Lexington, Jeremy (Maritess) Smith of Omaha, and Amy (Joe) Pepplitsch of Lexington; grandchildren, Chloe Valdez of Colorado Springs, Rylie Steele of Omaha, Jaxson Smith of Omaha, and Gracey Smith, Mathias Pepplitsch, and Amelia Pepplitsch, all of Lexington; as well as extended family and friends.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his siblings, Kirk Smith, Darnell Smith, and Verene Bilberry; his niece, Stacia Hornbacher; and his brother-in-law, Ralph Zavala.

He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew him.

A Celebration of Life Service with Military Honors will be held on Friday, April 10, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington, with Lay Minister Sarah Neben, officiating.

Memorials are kindly suggested to the Lexington Honor Guard.

Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington is honored to be assisting the family with arrangements. Please share online condolences with the family by visiting: reynoldslovefuneralhome.com