Stephen “Steve” Foster Smith passed away Feb. 4, 2024, in Surprise, Arizona. He was born May 21, 1940, in Seward, to Herbert and Mary (Foster) Smith. Steve was the oldest of four boys.
Steve’s passion for music was evident early in life and he excelled in this field, graduating from Seward High School in 1958. He played trombone professionally in dance bands, including the O.K. Jones Band, to support his college education. Steve graduated from the University of Nebraska, Lincoln, in 1965, with a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering. Immediately after graduation, he began his illustrious career at Hughes Brothers Manufacturing, where he served in various capacities over 45 years, retiring as the Executive Vice President in 2010.
In 1967, Steve married Susan Louise Sahn and together they were blessed with two children, Mary Elizabeth and Stephen “Deucer” Foster II. Beyond his professional endeavors, Steve dedicated himself to serving his country and community. He spent 20 years with the 155th Air Refueling Wing Nebraska Air National Guard in Lincoln, and served on the Seward Volunteer Fire Department, the Seward Foundation for Memorial Health Care and as a member of the Masonic fraternity. Steve could often be found behind the grill with his brothers at the Seward VFW Post #4755 cooking burgers. Steve’s commitment to community extended to his involvement in local music groups, including the Seward Municipal Band and the Firehouse Five, as well as his active participation in the Seward United Methodist Church as a longtime member of the UMC planning board and Bell Choir.
In 1999, Steve married Linda Furstenau, and they began spending winters in Sun City West, Arizona. Upon retirement, Steve immersed himself fully in his lifelong passion for music. He played with distinction in various bands, including the West Valley Community Band, West Valley Pops Band, Sun City Concert Band and the esteemed Desert Brass.
Steve was preceded in death by his parents, Mary and Herbert Smith; his first wife, Susan Louise Sahn; and brothers, Elmer and Trevor Smith.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Linda; children, Mary Elizabeth (Jeffrey) Coons and Stephen “Deucer” Smith; brother, Sid (Rose) Smith; stepchildren, Tony (Amy) Spahr, Aaron (Lindsey) Spahr; step-grandchildren: Cpt. Taylor Knipp, Kinsey, Maiya and Audrey Spahr; numerous nieces, nephews, and a host of close friends.
Visitation will be Tuesday, May 21, from 1 – 8:30 p.m. at Zabka-Perdue Funeral Home in Seward, with family receiving friends from 6:30 – 8 p.m. A celebration of life will be Wednesday, May 22, at 2 p.m. at the Seward United Methodist Church with inurnment at the Anderson Cemetery in Seward. Military honors will be provided by the United States Air Force, Seward VFW Post #4755 and Seward American Legion Post #33. Arrangements by Zabka-Perdue Funeral Home.
