Kent Allen Smith, 39, of North Platte, Nebraska passed away at Great Plains Health, North Platte, Nebraska, on September 18, 2026. Kent was born September 16, 1987 to Monte and Leonda (Shepherd) Smith at Great Plains Health.

Kent spent most of his life in North Platte. He attended K-8th grades at Platte Valley District #8 school and attended high school at Hershey, Nebraska. He met Anna Lehman and with this relationship they gave life to Eiery Lehman. He was a proud father. He did love and became a father figure to Ember Lehman. He loved them both dearly and was so very proud of them. Down the road he met Katie Schumaher and they wed on February 13 2019. They spent most of their marriage in North Platte and then decided to change their lives and moved to California. After awhile they returned back to North Platte an ended up going their separate ways, but stayed friends. Kent’s journey through life was not always an easy one, but it was uniquely his own. He wrestled with personal hardships, health battles, and moments of deep uncertainty. Yet, even in his most difficult seasons, he carried a spark of humor, a stubborn resilience, and a surprising tenderness for those he loved. Kent could be difficult to understand at times but those who took the time to know him discovered a loyal friend, a gifted storyteller, a jokester and someone who never stopped trying, even when the odds felt impossible. He found joy in the simple things; listening to music, going for a drive, or just sitting doing sketching. His life wasn’t perfect but it was real and it mattered.

He was preceded in death by his father, Monte Smith; grandparents, Bob & LeEtta Coons, George “Bill” and Twila Smith, and Grandpa John Shepherd.

Those left to cherish his memory is his mother, Leonda Steele, North Platte, Nebraska; his children, Eiery and Ember Lehman, North Platte, Nebraska; sister Krystal Smith, North Platte, Nebraska; niece, Bryley Smith, North Platte, Nebraska; soon to be great-niece on the way, Adalina Smith, North Platte, Nebraska; as well as numerous family members, friends, with 3 dear friends, Anna Lehman (mother of his children), Katie Schumacher, and Kayla Smyth.

Cremation was chosen. The family will have a Celebration of Life for Kent, 11:00 A.M., Thursday, October 1, 2026 at the New Life Church, North Platte, Nebraska.

Adams & Swanson Funeral Home is assisting the family.