Merle L. Smith

Merle L. Smith, 92, of Shrewsbury died on Thursday, July 12, 2018. Born October 9, 1925, in Railroad, he was the son of the late William T. and Ellen G. (Keeney) Smith. Merle was a United States Army Veteran who served for 25 years during WWII, Korean War and Vietnam War. During his time, he received numerous medals including Combat Infantryman’s Badge, Bronze Star Medal, World War II Victory Medal, Korean Service Medal, National Defense Medal, Good Conduct Medal, 5th Award, and European- African Middle Eastern Campaign Medal.After retiring he worked for Caterpillar Tractor on the Oil –Cooler for over 20 years. He was a member of Shrewsbury Grace United Methodist Church. He was the husband of Fuji A. (Aihara) Smith of Shrewsbury, with whom he shared 67 years of marriage. He also leaves to cherish his memory a son Warren L. Smith and his wife Margaret Smith; a daughter, Joyce R. Fitz and her husband Robert H. Fitz; 2 grandchildren; 2 great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by one sister and 9 brothers. There will be a viewing celebrating Merle’s life from 5:00 – 7:00pm, on Thursday, July 19, 2018, at Hartenstein Funeral & Cremation Care, Inc., 24 N. Second St., New Freedom, PA. Funeral Service will begin at 10:00am on Friday, July 20, 2018 at the funeral home in New Freedom. Interment will follow at Susquehanna Memorial Gardens with full military rites provided by York County Veterans Honor Guard. Hartenstein Funeral & Cremation Care, Inc., 24 N. Second St., New Freedom, PA is assisting the family with arrangements. In lieu of flowers, the family would like donations in Merle’s memory to be made to: Hospice & Community Care, 235 Saint Charles Way, Suite 250 York, PA 17402.