BLOOMING VALLEY — Earl W. Smith, 77, of 14774 Dickson St., Blooming Valley, died Wednesday Oct., 28, 2009, at his residence following a one-year illness.

Born April 3, 1932, in Meadville, he was a son of Charles M. and Autumn M. Smith. He married Janet Virtue on Feb. 1, 1966, and she survives.

He was a 1950 graduate of Randolph High School and served in the U.S. Army from July 1957 to July 1959.

He was a private contractor for the Henkles and McCoy Co., then began to work for Penelec as a lineman for 29 years, retiring in 1994. Following retirement he worked at Advantage Auto, delivering parts.

He was a member of Cochranton Masonic Lodge 790, Black Ash Sportmen’s Club and the Meadville Club. He was also an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed riding his motorcycle.

In addition to his wife of 43 years, he is survived by two daughters, Maryjane Smith of Sedona, Ariz., and Barbra A. Barker and her husband, Jesse, of Meadville; two sisters, MaryAnn Karns and her husband, Gerald, of Cochranton, and Esther Tessemer and her husband, Ernie, of Georgia; two grandchildren, Hanna Jordan and Jillian Barker; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; in-laws, Walter and Evelyn Virtue; and a son, David B. Smith.

Friends may call at Dickson Family Funeral Home Inc., 123 S. Franklin St., Cochranton, on Saturday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9.

The funeral will be private, with the Rev. Steve Clulow of Cochranton Community Church officiating.

Interment will be in Blooming Valley Cemetery.

Condolences can be e-mailed to dicksonfuneralhome@windstream.net.