Merrill Smith "Smitty"

SMITH,  Merrill "Smitty", age 89 of Eaton, OH. died April 10, 2013 in Atlanta, GA.  Mr. Smith was born in Delaware, OH. on May 20, 1923 to Ferres and Iona Grace (McMaster) Smith.  He was preceded in death by his wife, Zenita Alice in 2002 and his son-in-law, Michael Kabealo in 2012.  He is survived by his daughter, Alison Grace Kabealo of Atlanta, Ga., his grandchildren, Erin Grace Walton, Atlanta, GA., Nicole Schlicher (Travis), Atlanta GA., and Mike Kabealo (Kellee), Summerville, SC, his great grandchildren, Presley Woodham, Ava Kabealo, Harper Kabealo, Lindy Kabealo, Vaughn Kabealo, his friend and companion Joanie Tressler, and many other relatives and friends.  Mr. Smith had a life long career in the government, law enforcement and in the private investigation industry.  He was a Army veteran of both WWII and the Korean War and served in the Counter Intelligence Corps (CIC) for the army.  He was a avid fan of harness horse racing and was an owner and breeder of Standardbred horses for many years.  Mr. Smith was a member of the Grand Lodge of Michigan, F&AM.  Smitty will be remembered by his family and friends for his great sense of humor and telling it like it truly was.  He was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather and friend.  Visitation will be held on Wed., April 17, 2013 from 6-8PM at Lindloff-Zimmerman Funeral Home in West Alexandria, OH.  Burial will be 10:00 A.M. Thurs. in Fairview Cemetery, West Alexandria, OH.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Standardbred Adoption Program at www.4thehorses.com.  For condolences: www.lindloffzimmerman.com