(October 17, 1922 - October 9, 2009) Gerald Verlin Smith, 86, of Monroeville died at his residence Friday afternoon, October 9, 2009. He was born on October 17, 1922 in Bluffton, IN to Maynard and Mary Jane (Lash) Smith. He married Ruth L. Hess 62 years ago on May 10, 1947; she survives in Monroeville, IN. Gerald retired in 1987 from B.F. Goodrich after 25 years of service. He then drove truck for 15 years for R.J. Becher & Sons in Berne, IN; owned by his son-in-law Ron Becher. Gerald was a proud WWII veteran having served in the South Pacific on the Palau Islands. Two years ago his family took him to the WWII Monument in Washington D.C., where people stood in line to shake his hand, take pictures, and thank him for his service. He loved his family above all else and he always loved and cared for animals, especially horses, goats, dogs, and cats. He was always emphatic that in place of flowers he wanted bags of dog feed around his casket. Memorials may be made to the Monroeville EMS or to the ACSPCA (Allen County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals). 10/09/09

Here is a picture of Sandy Theobold (Volunteer), Dorothy Dell (Volunteer) and Nancy Day (Imagine Schools). Thanks for all your help! 10/09/09 10/09/09