Lester Melvin Smith

Railway car inspector served in CCC. Lester Melvin Smith, 87, of Washington, died at 12:40 a.m. Monday, January 2, 2006, in Humbert Lane Health Care Centre, Washington, following a lengthy illness. He was born August 9, 1918, in Wilmerding, a son of Peter and Erva Smith. Mr. Smith was a car inspector for Belt Railway in Chicago. From November 1, 1935 to March 31, 1937, he served in Civilian Conservation Corps. Mr. Smith formerly lived in Hammond, Ind., Sweetwater, Texas, and Louisville, Ky. While in Louisville, he attended a Baptist church. He was very active in the Red Cross, teaching CPR, and was involved in Meals on Wheels. His second wife, Clara E. Logsdon, died May 8, 1999. Surviving are two sons, John Smith of Washington and Melvin Smith of Highland, Ind.; a sister, Erva Long of Port Charlotte, Fla.; three grandchildren, Doreen George, Denise Bernard and Kimberly Smith; and three great-grandchildren, Alex and Renee Bernard and J.D. George. Deceased are brothers, Earl, Walter, Art and Clarence Smith. There will be no public visitation. All services will be private and held at the convenience of the family, with Pastor Don Waltermyer officiating. Burial will be in Louisville Memorial Gardens. Memorial contributions may be made to Alzheimer's Association, 1 Station Square, The Landmark Building, Suite 500, Pittsburgh, PA 15219. Arrangements are being handled by William G. Neal Funeral Homes Ltd., 925 Allison Avenue, Washington.