Melvin Charles Smith

Arapahoe, Nebraska Melvin Charles Smith, age 86, of Arapahoe, Nebraska, died Tuesday, December 19, 2006 at the C.A. Mues Good Samaritan Center, in Arapahoe, Nebraska. He was born March 12, 1920 in Dawson County, Nebraska to Arthur C. & Ella A. (Sutphen) Smith. He attended school at Lexington, Nebraska and graduated from Lexington High School with the Class of 1937. After his schooling, he moved to Santa Monica, California to work at Douglas Aircraft Company. He served in the Army from July of 1942 until December of 1945. On October 17, 1945, he married Margaret Mary Toomey at the First Methodist Church, in Lexington, Nebraska. They made their home northwest of Arapahoe, Nebraska where they farmed for many years. In 1962, they moved to Arapahoe, Nebraska where he worked as a carpenter. In 1970 he started working for Arapahoe Public Schools as custodian and head of maintenance. He would retire from the school in 1990 after 20 years. During his retirement he keep busy doing many small carpentry jobs in Arapahoe and for his church. His wife Margaret passed away on August 20, 2006. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church, Sunny’s Sunday School Class, First United Methodist Morning Men’s Group, all of Arapahoe, Nebraska & the American Legion Post #343 of Edison, Nebraska. Member of the Arapahoe Fire & Rescue Squad for 43 years and served as Secretary and EMT trainer for many years. He is preceded in death by his parents, wife Margaret, brothers; Carl, Merle, Lloyd, Gerald, & Vernon, sisters; Velma, & Doris. Survivors include Daughters: Susan & husband William Orsborn of Denver, Colorado Kathleen & husband Daniel Keiner of Omaha, Nebraska Nancy Long of Holbrook, Nebraska Sister: Betty Smith of Lafayette, Colorado Grandchildren: 7 Great- Grandchildren: 2 Condolences or personal reflections can be left at www.wenburgfuneralhome.com. Viewing & visitation will be Thursday, Dec. 21, from 1PM till 8 PM and Friday, Dec. 22, from 9 AM till 8 PM at Wenburg Funeral Home, in Arapahoe, Nebraska and prior to the service at the church. Funeral services will be Saturday, Dec. 23, at 10:30 AM at the First United Methodist Church of Arapahoe, Nebraska with Rev. Michael Flury, officiating. Interment will be at Arapahoe Cemetery, at Arapahoe, Nebraska. Military rites will be presented by the American Legion Post #343 of Edison, Nebraska. Wenburg Funeral Home, of Arapahoe, Nebraska is in charge of arrangements.