Merle L. Smith passed away on Monday, February 26, 2024 at Box Butte General Hospital in Alliance. He was 83 years of age.
He was born in Broken Bow, Nebraska on September 18, 1940 to Robert and Maxine (Baker) Smith. His family moved to Alliance in the 1950’s.
In May of 1960 he was united in marriage to Kathryn (Kay) L. DeBruler. To this union their daughter, Kim was born.
He served in the U.S. Army from February 20, 1962 to February 19, 1964. For many years he was a custodian at the Alliance High School. He then hired on to the Burlington Northern Railroad as a pipefitter. Following 30 years of service he retired from BNSF.
Merle was a lifetime member of the Alliance Eagles Club and V.F.W.
He is survived by his wife, Kay, his daughter and son-in-law, Kim and Bob Stegemann of Alliance, his grandson, J.J. (Chelsea) Simmons, his great grandchildren, Zachary Simmons, Christopher Wilson, Macey Simmons and Myleigh Simmons, and great-great grandchildren, Greyson and Bennett Simmons. He is also survived by his brothers and sister, Larry (Jean) Smith of Alliance, Dale Smith of Florida and Peggy Moulder of Arizona and numerous nieces and nephews including, Troy and Crystal Smith and Tonya Perrienk as well as extended family. He was preceded in death by his parents as well as his sister-in-law Leanne Smith, and Nephew Tom DeBruler.
A visitation will be Monday, March 4 from 1-7 p.m., with family being present from 4-6, at the Bates-Gould Funeral Home. Cremation will follow and a memorial service will be Wednesday, March 6 at 10:00 a.m. at the Bates-Gould Chapel. Burial will be in the Nebraska Veterans Cemetery.
A luncheon will be served following the ceremonies at the Alliance Eagles Club.
Memorials may be given to the Disabled American Veterans.
Online condolences may be left at www.batesgould.com with Bates-Gould Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.