Merle F. “Smitty” Smith, age 91, resident of Bartlett Gardens, 257 South Main Street, Cambridge Springs, PA, died there on Thursday, November 19, 2009. Born in Hayfield Twp., Crawford County on October 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 the C.H. Flaugh Construction Co. in Cambridge Springs in 1980.
Smith, Merle F. A member of the 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, 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 include two daughters – Coralynn McClune and her husband, Robert of Cambridge Springs; Karen Weiland and her husband, David of Erie; foster children – Leo VanLuven and his twin sister, Leona VanLuven, both of Erie; four 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 US 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, FL.; and eight nieces and two nephews. He was preceded in death by a son – David Smith.
Friends may call at the Van Matre Family Funeral Home in Cambridge Springs on Monday from 2-4 and 7-9 and where funeral services will be held Tuesday at 10:00 a.m. with Reverend Betty Hollabaugh, pastor of the Millers Station United Methodist Church officiating. Interment will be in Mill Village Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Millers Station United Methodist Church, Cambridge Area Volunteer Ambulance Service, Cambridge Springs Senior Citizens, or Helping Hands of Cambridge Springs.