North Powder, Oregon
Merlin W. Smith, 74, of North Powder, died April 5, 2003, in a Boise hospital.
His funeral will be Thursday at 1 p.m. at the Loveland Funeral Chapel, 1508 Fourth St., in La Grande.
Visitations will be from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday at the Loveland Funeral Chapel.
Vault interment will be at the North Powder Cemetery. Friends are invited to join the family at the North Powder Grange Hall afterward for a time of sharing and refreshments.
Mr. Smith was born Jan. 21, 1929, at Wolf Creek. He was the son of Elias S. and Unice S. Simonis Smith. He was raised and educated in the North Powder area. In 1946, he entered the U.S. Navy and served his country during World War II.
He married Phyllis B. Morris on Aug. 15, 1954, at Cove. After their marriage, the Smith’s made their home at North Powder.
Mr. Smith had worked at operating heavy equipment for the Union County Road Department until his retirement in 1990.
He was a charter member of the North Powder Lions Club. He greatly enjoyed hunting, fishing, working in his shop and reading.
Survivors include his wife, Phyllis Smith of North Powder; two sons and their wives, Sherwood and Kerri Smith of North Powder and Gareld and Stephanie Smith of La Grande; two sisters, Verna Hill of La Grande and Jeannine Weaver of Estacada; and six grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents; one sister, Delpha Picker; and a brother, Robert Smith.
Memorial contributions can be made to the charity of one’s choice through the Loveland Funeral Chapel, 1508 Fourth St., La Grande, OR 97850.
Used with permission from: Baker City Herald, Baker City, Oregon, April 11, 2003
Transcribed by: Belva Ticknor
