Paul Merlin Smith

Paul “Pa” Merlin Smith, 82, of Hudson, died on Sunday, January 27, 2019 at his home.

Paul was born April 7, 1936, in Albany, IL, the son of Guy J. Sr. and Vera Reedy Smith. He married Betty L. Cook on August 2, 1959 in Hudson.

He was an electrician and member of IBEW Local 288 and was the owner and operator of Paul’s Electric. He had worked for Land O’ Lakes from 1983-1995.

He was a member of the Hudson Volunteer Fire Department for 20 years and a Boy Scout Leader for several years. Paul enjoyed fishing, woodworking, gardening, playing cards and hanging out with the guys at “Dan’s Building.”

He is survived by his wife, Betty; five children: Jim (Nancy) Smith of Waterloo, Lisa Smith of Parkersburg, Vince (Mindy) Smith of Glidden, Melinda (George Gerlach) Smith of Hudson, and Travis (Julia) Smith of Waterloo; 10 grandchildren: Carrie (Josh) Rzepka, Missy (Dave) Smith, Patti Randall, Alyssa Draeger, Ashley Draeger, Corey (Amber) Smith, Cassidy (Alec Daniel) Smith, Caden Smith, Kyler Smith, and Koleson Smith; four great-grandchildren: Matthew, Stephanie, Josie, and Tricia; a great-great-grandson, Dylan; his four sisters: Barbara Hoveland of Pasco, WA, Karen Flynn of Fairfield, MT, Roberta Anderson of Iowa City, and Sue (Mark) Orfield of Osceola; two brothers, Guy (Ruth) Smith Jr. of Iowa City and Darrell (Elaine) Smith of Williamsburg; a brother-in-law, Rich Schmidt of Iowa City; many nieces and nephews; and special neighbors, the Kane, Bartlett, Witt and Firgard families.

He is preceded in death by his parents; and a sister, Carolee Schmidt.