Remembering the life, death and legacy of Purple Heart recipient Merle Smith
Merle L. Smith PEORIA - Merle L. Smith, age 95, of Peoria passed away at 1:28 a.m. on Wednesday, December 11, 2019, at Liberty Village of Peoria. Born February 14, 1924, in Peoria, a son to Leonard S. and Hattie E. (Hastings) Smith, he married Patricia Szidon in January of 2011, and she survives. Also surviving are four step-children, Randy Szidon of Peoria, Jeff (Susan) Szidon of Silverhill, Alabama, Diane (Rick) Hendricks of Sarasota, Florida, and Tom (Beryl) Szidon of Johns Creek,...
