The Graveside Service for Earl Duane Smith “Smitty” will be held at 10 a.m., Friday, at Hillcrest Cemetery, Albert Lea. The Rev. John Bromeland will officiate. Military Honors Accorded by Albert Lea Veterans Organizations.
Earl Duane Smith died Monday, June 2, 2008 at his home in Clarks Grove. He was 68 years old.
Earl Duane Smith was born in Freeborn County on March 18, 1940, the son of Earl Webster and Evelyn (Warner) Smith. He graduated from Albert Lea High School in 1958. He served his country in the U.S Navy and U.S. Air Force. He was married to Ruth Monson. He had lived in Clarks Grove most of his life.
Earl was a member of United Methodist Church, Albert Lea.
Earl worked for Jesse Jackson and in 1980, purchased the Albert Lea Ambulance from Jesse Jackson. He also worked at Value Mart Marine, Fobair Furniture, Richards Wood Products, owned and operated Smitty’s Corner Mart, and then worked for Geneva Liquor until he retired in 2002.
Earl was a member of the Moose Lodge and a life member of the V.F.W.
Earl enjoyed watching and going to races, camping, fishing and hunting. He always enjoyed the time he spent with his buddies.
Earl is survived by his wife, Ruth Smith of Clarks Grove; mother, Evelyn Smith; brothers: David (Ruth) Smith of Forest City, Iowa, Ricky (Stephanie) Smith of Austin; sister, Marge (Paul) Stephenson of Montgomery, Ala.; daughters: Cherie (Mike) Latimer of Sparta, Wis., Dawn Shopa of Rake, Iowa, Sharon (Neigel) Fisher of Nottingham, Great Britain, Luann Berg of Guthrie, Okla.; step son: Kevin (Cheryl) Boettcher of Eagan; nine grandchildren and seven great grandchildren; sons-in-law: William Bergeron of Clarks Grove and Mike Shopa of Proctor.
Earl was preceded in death by his father and great-grandson Billy Lee.