URBANA:  Merwin L. "Bud" Smith, 92, died Saturday, October 3, 2009 at Heritage Care Center in Cedar Rapids following an extended illness.

     Funeral Services will be held at 10:30 AM, Wednesday, October 7, 2009 at the Urbana Christian Church with Rev. Tom Felts officiating.  Interment will be held at the Urbana Cemetery.  Friends may call at Phillips Funeral Home Chapel, 212 E. 6th St., in Vinton from 5 to 7 PM on Tuesday.  At 7 PM, a Masonic Service will be conducted by the Benton City Lodge. A memorial fund has been established.

     Merwin L. Smith was born June 25, 1917 near Center Point to Walter B. and Ophal (Rouse) Smith.  Known to family and friends as "Bud", he graduated from the Urbana High School in 1936. 

     On  March 8, 1939, he was united in marriage to Vanita Ferguson. 

     "Bud" farmed for many years in the Brandon/Urbana area and became a Union Carpenter and member of Carpenters Local #308 of Cedar Rapids.  He owned and operated the Phillips 66 Gas Station in Urbana for several years.  An active member of his congregation, he was an Elder Emeritus, past Superintendent of the Sunday School, a member of the Church Board and a Trustee at the Urbana Christian Church.  Bud served his community as a member of the City Council. Bud had been a member of the Brandon Masonic Lodge before transferring membership to the Shellsburg Masonic Lodge.  He enjoyed woodworking and loved fishing and hunting.  "Bud" thoroughly enjoyed his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

     He is survived by his wife, Vanita of Urbana; his children, Delmar (Marcia) Smith of Center Point, Jay (Billie) Smith of Center Point, and Jolinda (Jim) Andrews of Urbana; his grandchildren, Tiffiany (Eric) Gardner of Denver, CO, Tony (Carolyn) Smith of Urbana, Jason (Angie) Smith of Cedar Rapids, Darcie Smith of Council Bluffs, Jaren (Kelly) Andrews of Urbana, and Jennifer (Durk) Gerhardt of Ladson, SC; twelve great-grandchildren; his brother, Wayne B. (Pat) Smith of San Jose, CA; and his sisters, Venoa Swartzbaugh of Vinton, and Donna Drum of Cedar Falls.

     His parents and sister, Neta Hansen preceded him in death.