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Verlan Smith
VERLAN ROBERT SMITH
Cedar Rapids
Verlan Robert Smith, 99, of Cedar Rapids, died Tuesday, Oct. 4, 2016, at Evergreen Estates III. Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 8, at Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home. The family will greet friends one hour before the service at the funeral home beginning at noon. Interment will take place at Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery.
Verlan was born June 19, 1917, in Cedar Rapids, to Robert and Lillie (Hanson) Smith. He was united in marriage to Twylah Huston on June 11, 1940. Verlan served honorably in the U.S. Navy during World War II.
Verlan was a farmer in Linn County for most of his young adult life, then lived and farmed in Independence for 24 years, from 1951 until 1975. Verlan served as a missionary in Ecuador for 11 years and then lived in Prescott Valley, Ariz., for 10 years.
Verlan enjoyed woodworking and traveling. He also loved roses, especially Lincoln Red Roses.
He is survived by his children, Karen (Robert) Stewart of Cedar Rapids, Gary (Susan) Smith of White Bear Lake, Minn., Keith (Linda) Smith of Independence and Dean (Sue) Smith of Hampton; 13 grandchildren; 34 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren.
Verlan was preceded in death by his parents; his wife of 64 years, Twylah; brother, Theron Smith; sister, Beulah Anderson; and two great-granddaughters, Nadia Smith and Faith Pearl Smith.
A memorial in Verlan's name has been established. Online condolences may be conveyed at www.cedarmemorial.com.
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