Merlyn Richard Smith

Merlyn Richard (Captain) Smith, 93, of Carson City passed away Saturday, December 26 at Carson Tahoe Hospital.

No services are planned as Merlyn donated his body to the University of Nevada Reno Medical School. Even in death he continues to be the generous person that he was in life.

Merlyn was born on March 3, 1922, in Lamont, Iowa, the son of Everett W. and Mary t. Smith. He graduated in 1939 from Oelwein High School in Oelwein, Iowa. He joined the United States Navy during World War II and served for three years.

He was married to his wife Velma for 50 years and moved to Carson City from South Lake Tahoe when he retired from his position as postmaster in 1973. He loved life and most of all enjoyed his two a day trips into the hills to look for the horses, which he did for over 30 years. He was an avid photographer, pool player, and generous benefactor to many needy individuals and organizations..

Merlyn was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Velma, his sisters, Ione Wood of Oelwein, Iowa, Letha Kappmeyer of Oelwein, Iowa, and Zelda Feltus of Tigard, Oregon. He is survived by many nieces and nephews and special friends, Lynn Dodge, Paul Garcia, Jeff Davenport and Barb Twistleton who were very helpful to Merlyn in his final years.