Smith, Melvin "Dick" Vineil 1891-1955

SMITH, ASMAN

Posted By: Doris Hoffman, Volunteer (email)
Date: 2/22/2015 at 18:42:37

Note: His wife's maiden name was Asman.

RITES ARE HELD LAST FRIDAY FOR MELVIN V. SMITH

Heart Ailment Fatal To Well Known Akron Business Man

A brief mention was made in these columns last week of the death of Melvin V. ("Dick") Smith, one of Akron's best known business men, who passed away at Community Hospital Wednesday, June 22, 1955, after a few weeks' illness of a heart ailment. He had been in failing health for some time. The final summons came on his 64th birthday.

Melvin Vineil Smith was born in Chicago, Ill., June 22, 1891, the son of Luther and Claudine Smith. He had been a resident of Akron since 1898 and received his education in the local public schools. For eight years he served as a rural mail carrier out of Akron. In August, 1917, he enlisted in the U. S. Army during World War 1 and served overseas in the French sector for one and a half years. He was a charter member of Hoschler Post, No. 186, American Legion and served as post adjutant for many years.

On June 6, 1921, he was united in marriage with Ida Asmann, of Alexandria, Louisiana, and began housekeeping in Akron, which has since remained their home.

Mr. Smith was appointed postmaster of Akron in 1920 and served four terms in that position. In July, 1936, he purchased the Norka Theatre, which he had operated for nineteen years. An active and progressive business man, of friendly and genial natur, he had gained during his nearly sixty years' residence in this community, a host of friends, by whom he will be sincerely missed.

Surviving are his wife, Ida; one adopted daughter, Mildred (Mrs. Jack Baker), and three grandchildren, and one brother, rexford Smith, of Waco, Texas. The sympathy of many friends is extended them in their bereavement.

Funeral services were held last Friday at 2:00 p.m. in Wesley Methodist Church, the pastor, Rev. Chester L. Guinn, officiating. Mrs. Mary Lundberg sang, and Mrs. Harry B. Nelson was accompanist. Members of Hoschler Post, No. 186, American Legion, attended the services in a body and conducted the Military burial rites at Riverside Cemetery.

Akron Register Tribune
Thursday, June 30, 1955
Akron, Iowa