Merlyn Smith

Merlyn F. Smith, age 88, of Sac City, Iowa and formerly of Newell, Iowa, died Friday, November 15, 2013 at his residence in Sac City. Merlyn Frederick Smith was born May 15, 1925, the son of Edward and Bernice (Hanke) Smith, at the family home in Buena Vista county, rural Newell, Iowa. He was baptized and confirmed at the Varina Methodist Church in rural Varina. Merlyn graduated from the Varina Consolidated School in 1942. Following his graduation, he remained at home to help on the family farm. In 1951, Merlyn entered the U.S. Army and proudly served his country stateside, during the Korean Conflict. On June 25, 1955, Merlyn was united in marriage to Ruth Ellen Galbraith at the First Presbyterian Church in Sac City, Iowa. This union was blessed with five children: Bradley, Russell, Susan, Nancy and Jack. Following his military service and marriage, Merlyn attended Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa. During this time his father became ill and he returned to help on the family farm and eventually established their own farm operation. Merlyn and Ruth moved their family to Missouri in 1977, where they raised cattle and later returned to Iowa farm in 1981. In the later years, Merlyn and Ruth wintered in Arizona visiting their daughter Susan. Merlyn loved farming and raising livestock. He was a member of the Northwest Hereford Association. Additionally, he showed Hereford cattle throughout the Midwest and later Maine Anjou cross. His keen eye would select the best of the best for his grandchildrenâ€™s calves. He also loved music and at one time of his life dreamed of being a big band leader. Throughout the years Merlyn and Ruth attended concerts of various artists. Later in life, Merlyn enjoyed meeting his extended Starr family in Nebraska. He was currently a member of the United Methodist Church in Storm Lake and the Newell American Legion. Over the years, Merlyn thoroughly enjoyed spending time with his family and grandchildren. He cherished the time he spent teaching them to fish and following them in their many activities, especially their time in 4-H. After moving to town, Merlyn enjoyed watching and feeding the birds, squirrels, and deer. He was well known for his quick wit and sense of humor and enjoyed people. He could become friends with a stranger after one meeting. Those left to cherish his memory are his wife of 58 years, Ruth Ellen of Sac City, Iowa; his children: Bradley (Sara) Smith of New Virginia, Iowa; Russell Smith of Newell, Iowa; Susan Smith of Lake Havasu City, Arizona; Nancy (Daniel) Burkhart of Oto, Iowa; Jack (Tami) Smith of Storm Lake, Iowa; four grandchildren: Wesley, Brandon and Kaitlin Burkhart and Elizabeth Smith; Starr family and extended family and friends. Merlyn was preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Bernice; extended family and friends.

Merlyn Smith

May 15, 1925 - November 15, 2013