CAMBRIDGE SPRINGS — Merle F. (Smitty) Smith, 91, resident of Bartlett Gardens, 257 S. Main St., Cambridge Springs, died there on Thursday, Nov. 19, 2009.
Born in Hayfield Township, Crawford County, on Oct. 25, 1918, he was a son of the late Glenn and Helena Schmit Smith. On June 6, 1944, he married Arlene Jones Smith, who survives. Following his graduation from Saegertown High School, he worked on his father’s farm for some years and then began a career of construction work, retiring from C.H. Flaugh Construction Co. in Cambridge Springs in 1980.
A member of Millers Station United Methodist Church, he also was a former member of the Protected Home Circle Life Insurance Club, a member of Cambridge Springs Crime Watchers and a volunteer for Cambridge Springs Helping Hands. He was active with the Cambridge Springs Senior Center, was an associate member of Cambridge Area Volunteer Ambulance Service, was a member of the Parkinson’s Support Group of Meadville and the Pioneer Steam & Gas Engine Society. He enjoyed camping and dearly loved his grandchildren and great-grandchildren with whom he spent a great amount of time. He will be missed by his pug dog, Jezebel.
Surviving family members, in addition to his wife of 65 years, include two daughters, Coralynn McClune and her husband, Robert, of Cambridge Springs and Karen Weiland and her husband, David of Erie; two foster children, Leo VanLuven and his twin sister, Leona VanLuven, both of Erie; and three grandchildren, Reed McClune and his wife, Nancy, of Cambridge Springs, Glenn McClune and his wife, Crystal, of Cambridge Springs, and David Smith Jr. with the U.S. Marines. Additional survivors include four great-grandchildren, Robert, Koralyn, Lillian and Connor McClune; two sisters, Arlene Acker and her husband, James, of Saegertown, and Jean Bittenger and her husband, Ira, of Avon Park, Fla.; and eight nieces and two nephews.
He was preceded in death by a son, David Smith.
Friends may call at Van Matre Family Funeral Home, 335 Venango Ave., Cambridge Springs, on Monday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m., and where the funeral will be conducted Tuesday at 10 a.m., with the Rev. Betty Hollabaugh, pastor of Millers Station United Methodist Church, officiating.
Interment will be in Mill Village Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to Millers Station United Methodist Church, Cambridge Area Volunteer Ambulance Service, Cambridge Springs Senior Citizens or Helping Hands of Cambridge Springs.
To send condolences, please visit www.vanmatrefuneralhome.com.
