Richard E. Smith

Richard E. Smith, 80, of 16755 McMath Ave., Meadville died Monday, December 05, 2005 at Meadville Medical Center after a lengthy illness.

He was born in Randolph Twp., May 2, 1925, a son of Raymond B. and Edith Grove Smith.  He married Wilma Robison, Nov. 26, 1949, and she survives.

He was a 1943 graduate of Randolph High School, Guys Mills, and was first employed in farming in Randolph Twp., and later was a livestock dealer, retiring in 1999 and a school bus driver for Penncrest School District.

He was a member of Mt. Hope United Methodist Church, a member of Cochranton Masonic Lodge #790, Zem Zem Shrine Temple, Erie, Crawford County Shrine Club, Crawford County Motor Patrol, Royal Order of Jesters, Kismet Grotto, Coudersport Consistory and Meadville Elks Lodge #219.

He had been an active baseball player for many years, playing for the Black Ash Baseball team.

Survivors in addition to his wife Wilma of 56 years include, a foster sister, Betty Danforth of Cambridge Springs, and nieces and nephews whom he dearly loved and considered as his own, Jo Ann Jackson, Darlene Robison, Chris DeVore, Kimberly Gunn, Earl & Larry Robison.

He was preceded in death by a foster sister, Katherine Rutherford and two foster brothers, Robert Wolfe and Joseph Snyder.

Calling hours will be today (Tuesday) from 2-4 & 7-9 p.m. at Robert W. Waid Funeral Home Inc. 581 Chestnut St., Meadville, with a Masonic service by Cochranton Masonic Lodge #790, at 7:30 p.m.

The funeral service will be Wednesday at 11:00 a.m. at Mt. Hope United Methodist Church, 25593 State Hwy #27, with the Rev. Don Russell, Pastor, officiating.

Burial will be in Black Ash Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to Mt. Hope United Methodist Church, 25593 State Hwy. #27, Guys Mills, PA 16327, or Shriner’s Hospital for Children, 1645 W. 8th St., Erie, PA 16505-5097.