Melvin Roy Smith

May 22, 1929-Dec. 22, 2010

TRENTON, Nebraska -- Melvin Roy Smith died Wednesday Dec. 22, 2010, at the Great Plains Regional Medical Center in North Platte, Nebraska at the age of 81.

He was born May 22, 1929, at Trenton, Nebraska, the son of the late Roy Isiah and Vergie (Huff) Smith. Melvin grew up on he family homestead west of Trenton, Nebraska that is now Swanson Lake. The family moved to Missouri for a short time returning to farm in the Trenton area.

On Feb. 24, 1949, Melvin entered the United States Navy serving during the Korean War. He received his honorable discharge on Jan. 15, 1953.

On June 6, 1954, Melvin married Leona Skinner at the Congregational Church in Trenton. They lived in Culbertson for a short time working for WEW Trucking Co. He then drove truck for the Kugler Co. He then did land moving on the Red Willow Dam and the Frenchman Canal. He worked on highway projects around Trenton and Palisade area. He began a hog farm operation from scratch on the south edge of Trenton. He started Smith Construction Company in the early 1970s until retiring in 1999.

After his retirement his hobbies were woodworking, fishing and spending time with his kids and grandkids. His family meant the world to him.

He was preceded in death by one brother, John Smith, one sister Joyce Lockhart and one infant granddaughter Bondi Dala Smith.

Melvin is survived by his wife, Leona Smith of Trenton; four sons, Ronald Smith and wife, Lolita of Gulfport, Mississippi, Robert Smith and wife, Marie of Culbertson, Nebraska, Richard Smith and wife, Cheri of Mesa, Arizona, and Roger Smith and wife, Chris of McCook, Nebraska and one daughter, Rita Messersmith and husband, Darrel of McCook, Nebraska; 10 grandchildren, Rebecca, Jeanie, Aaron, Ashley, Allison, Amber, Kindra, Shawn, Kasha and Andrew; 11 great-grandchildren; one sister, Eris Marquardt of Culbertson, Nebraska; and nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Funeral service will be 10:30 a.m., Wednesday Dec. 29. 2010 at the Congregational United Church of Christ in Trenton, Nebraska with Pastor Jean Miller officiating. Interment with military honors will be in the Trenton Cemetery at Trenton, Nebraska.

Visitation will be at Herrmann Funeral Home in Trenton from Monday until Wednesday.

Memorials may be given in his name and left at the funeral home.

Herrmann Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.