Loren E. "Smitty" Smith, 97, died Monday, April 4, 2011.

He was born March 4, 1914, at Selden, the son of Arthur and Zelma Mae Houghton Smith.

He had been a crane operator and welder at Hutchinson Foundry and Steel for about 39 years, retiring in 1977.

On June 30, 1937, he married Ennis E. Meyers at Hoxie. She died April 27, 2004.

He is survived by his children and their spouses, Janice Morgan-Heim and Joe Heim, Ronald and Rena, Monty and Annette, all of Hutchinson; seven grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and a great-great-grandchild. He was preceded in death by his parents and three sisters.

Funeral service will be 2 p.m. Friday, April 8, 2011, at Elliott Chapel with the Rev. Dr. Kim Biery officiating. Burial will be in Penwell-Gabel Cemetery and Mausoleum, Hutchinson. Calling hours will be 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday with family present 6 to 8 p.m. at Elliott Mortuary and Crematory, Hutchinson.

Memorial gifts may be made to Hospice of Reno County in care of the mortuary.

Visit www.elliottmortuary.com to leave a condolence for Loren's family.