Merle F. Smith, 89, of Harvard, died Thursday, September 26, 2013 on the family farm following a lingering illness. He was born September 26, 1924 in Capron, Illinois; the son of Floyd A. and Margaret A.E. (Jurgens) Smith. Merle graduated from Capron High School in 1943. He was married to Vivian Armbruster in Belvidere, IL on November 12, 1949. He was a Dairy Farmer. Merle was a member of St. John Church of Christ of Belvidere and the Harvard Moose Club. In his spare time, he enjoyed dancing, playing cards and mowing. He is survived by his wife, Vivian, of Harvard; three children, Dona (Darryll) Russell, of Byron, IL; Wayne (Elaine) Smith, Sharon, WI; Dale (Connie) Smith, of Harvard. Eight grandchildren, Angela (Jason) Nicol, Brian Russell, Ryan Russell; Kristina (Christopher) Nacke, Stephanie Smith, Shawna Smith, Crystal (Brace) Weeks and Ashley (Wesley) Firlick; eight great-grandchildren, Elyanna and Paxton Nicol; Jeremiah Russell; Brookelynn and Katelynn Weeks; Conner, Olivia and Avery Firlick; three siblings, Ruth McKiski, Earl (Fran) Smith and Verna (Harvey) Gahl. Merle was preceded in death parents and brother Lyle.

Memorials to the church or American Heart Association.