Earl J. Smull

NIANTIC - Earl J. Smull, 84, of Niantic died 1:20 p.m. Sunday, May 16, 2004 at Aspen Ridge Care Centre. Memorial services will be 2:00 p.m. Sunday, May 23, 2004 at Niantic United Methodist Church. Memorials may be made to Sanner Chapel United Methodist Church or Niantic United Methodist Church. Dawson & Wikoff West Wood Street Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Mr. Smull was born September 3, 1919 in Moweaqua the son of Earl and Edna Miller Smull. He was a machinist at GSI of Assumption. He also was a farmer and inventor. He invented the Turbo system for propane carburation on tractors for tractor pulling. He was a member of Sanner Chapel United Methodist Church. He married Violet Harris. He later married Betty J. Howell on March 7, 1964. Surviving are his wife of Niantic, sons; Ronald A. Smull and wife Carol of Moweaqua, Kenneth Smull and wife Tammy of Gilbert, Arizona, and Jay E. Smull and wife Angie of Bakersfield, California, daughters; Carol Sue Ropp of Gainesville, Florida, Virginia A. McKinney and husband Jiggs of Niantic, and Suzanne Y. Lopez and husband Robert of Joshua Tree, California, twenty four grandchildren, thirty two great grandchildren, and three great great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Helen Gaither, and grandson Rodney Smull. Obituary written by family members Smith DECATUR - Russell Dean Smith, 85, Decatur, former Caterpillar Inc. employee, died Saturday (May 15, 2004).  Services: 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Pilgrim Lutheran Church. Visitation: one hour before services in the church. Burial: Lutheran Cemetery. Arrangements by: Brintlinger and Earl Funeral Homes, Decatur.