Merle Smith

MERLE SMITH IDAHO FALLS, ID -- The family of Merle Loraine Smith celebrated his death on July 4, 2006 the same way he lived his life -- with a big bang. Merle Loraine Smith, 88, of Ammon, was born November 9, 1917, in Delta, Colorado, to Lawrence Leroy Smith and Pearl Dean Trickle Smith. He grew up and attended schools in Pea Green, Colorado. He married Mary Denise Hamilton May 28, 1950 in the Salt Lake City Congregational Church. They raised 3 children and lived in Ammon for the last 55 years. He was an auto mechanic for Smith-Hart Auto Sales, then in 1958 worked at Argonne National Laboratory from which he retired in 1979. He was a member of the Idaho Falls Elks Lodge and a volunteer with the Ammon Fire Department. He helped build the First Congregational Church on Lincoln and 9th Streets and was a member for 50 years. He was skilled in woodworking and cabinet making and helped his kids build their homes. He also enjoyed fishing, hunting, gardening and loved animals. He is survived by: Wife: Mary Smith, Idaho Falls Daughter: Becky (Dan) Brunson, Idaho Falls Daughter: Mary Ellen (Gary) French, Iona, ID Daughter: Karrie (Lance) Wartchow, Idaho Falls Son: Loren Ray (Elaine) Smith, CA Daughter: Janet Bargas, CA Daughter: Judy (Delbert) Hunter, OR 13 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren Sisters: Bonnie Nichols, Shirlene (Dick) Petersen, Barbara (Kenneth) Jasperson and Patricia Bartlett, all of Utah. He was preceded in death by his parents, a sister, Betty De St. Jeor and a brother, Todd Smith. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Friday, July 7, 2006, at Wood East Side Chapel, 963 South Ammon Road. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to your favorite charity.