This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: KarinKing45 Surnames: Smith, Forbing, Gerhardstein, Moore, Klepper Classification: obituary Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/localities.northam.usa.states.indiana.counties.adams/4394/mb.ashx Message Board Post: Decatur Daily Democrat Adams County, Indiana Wed., Feb. 25, 1970 ELMO SMITH DIES AT HOSPITAL ON TUESDAY Elma A. Smith, 74, of 334 North First Street, prominent retired Decatur druggist, died at 12:40 p.m. Tuesday at the Lutheran hospital in Fort Wayne, where he had been a patient for the past three weeks. Mr. Smith underwent extensive surgery last summer and had apparently been recovering well until his health began to fail several weeks ago. Mr. Smith and his sister, Virginia F. Smith, had operated the Smith Drug Store on North Second Street for many years until closing the business a few years ago. The store had been a continuous family operation for more than 100 years. He was born in Adams County, Feb. 8, 1896, a son of Benjamin J. and Elizabeth Forbing-Smith, and was a resident of Decatur practically his entire life. He was married to Miss Pauline E. Gerhardstein Aug. 7, 1922. His wife preceded him in death Nov. 1, 1963. Mr. Smith was a member of St. Mary's Catholic church, the Holy Name society, Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus, American Legion, and the Elks and Moose Lodges. He was a veteran of World War I, and was highly active in Adams post 43, American Legion, which he served as its first commander when organized here. He was a graduate of St. Joseph's College, and a member of the Indiana Pharmaceutical association. A talented musician he was widely known in the 1920's as a band leader and vocalist. Surviving are one son, Eugene F. Smith of Fullerton, Calif., one daughter, Mrs. Edwin (Yvonne) Moore of Fort Wayne; two sisters, Miss Virginia F. Smith of Decatur, and Mrs. Carl (Rose) Klepper of Huntington; a daughter-in-law, Mrs. Phyllis Smith of Fort Wayne; and 11 grandchildren. One son Paul A. Smith, who was manager of Buschbaum Pharmacy, Fort Wayne, and one brother, and one sister are deceased. Funeral services will be conducted at 10 a.m. Friday at St. Mary's Catholic church, with the Rt. Rev. Msgr. Simeon Schmidt officiating. Burial will be in the Catholic cemetery, with full military rites by Adams Post 43, American Legion. Friends may call at the Gillig Doan Sefton funeral home after 7 p.m. today until time of the services. The Moose lodge will hold memorial services at 7 p.m. Thursday, and the rosary will be recited at 8 p.m. Thursday. The Fourth Degree K. of C. will post an honor guard from 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday. Important Note: The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. If you would like to reply to them, please click on the Message Board URL link above and respond on the board.