Merle C. Smith, age 90, of North Platte, died November 5, 2012 at Great Plains Regional Medical Center. Merle was born on February 6, 1922 in Onawa, Iowa to Jesse M. and Olive M. (Ingram) Smith.
Merle graduated from North Platte High School in 1942. He then entered the U.S. Navy and served in the Pacific during WWII. After his discharge he returned to North Platte where he began work at the Krispy Krust Bakery. It was here that he met the love of his life Dorothy Nelson. The couple was wed on January 1, 1946 in Kansas.
Merle hired on to the UPPR as a clerk in 1950. After his retirement in 1977, the couple moved to Crete, NE where he worked for Farmland for several years. He and Dorothy moved back to North Platte in 1994. Merle was a member of the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses where he began full time ministry in 1985.
Survivors include his children, Cheryl Keller of North Platte, Kim (Judy) Smith of Kearney, Kyle (Jennifer) Smith of North Platte, and Kelly (Ed) Oberton of Grand Rapids, Minnesota; a brother, Darrell (Nancy) Smith of Rapid City, SD; 13 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great grandchild.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Dorothy on May 11, 2012, 2 children, Linda and Kevin, a sister, Phyllis Becker, and 2 brothers, Dale and Ralph “Tiny” Smith.
A memorial has been established in his name and online condolences can be made at www.adamsswanson.com. Memorial Services will be 11:00 a.m. Monday November 12, 2012 at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses. Inurnment will be at Fort McPherson National Cemetery near Maxwell. Those wishing to sign the register book may do so from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. Thursday and Friday. Adams & Swanson Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.