Merle Chester Smith

MERLE CHESTER SMITH Funeral services for Dove Creek resident Merle Chester Smith will be held at 2 p.m. on Friday, October 12 at the Ertel Memorial Chapel. Cremation will follow the funeral service. Pastor Mike Farren will officiate. Merle was born on September 28, 1956 in Florence, Ore. the son of Conrad Dale and Florence (Sleutel) Smith. He passed away on Sunday, October 7, 2007 at his residence at the age of 51. In 1987, Merle married Donetta Buck in Cahone. After high school graduation Merle joined the United States Army. He obtained a wealth of training in the service. Merle learned a great deal about auto mechanics during his time in the Army, he also got experience as a truck driver. Merle joined the Paratroopers but received an injury that required him to withdraw. In his spare time Merle liked restoring old cars. He was a man with a big heart, he was very quick to help people out. Family time was important to Merle. He loved time spent with his grandchildren, and his brothers, George and John. Surviving Merle are his wife, Donetta Smith of Dove Creek; his children, Charity Siler and husband, Brandon of Dove Creek, and Trent A.C. Smith of Dove Creek, and Tabitha Smith; his grandchildren, Haley and Bruce Siler; his siblings, George Smith of Oregon, Michael Smith of Oregon, Mary Way and husband, Don of Oregon, Chris Shelton of Oregon, Evelyn Kidd and husband, Lewis of Iowa, John Smith and wife, Barbara of Oklahoma, and Sue Heesch and husband, Richard of Iowa; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents. Memorial contributions may be made in Merle’s memory to the Disabled Veterans.