James Elmer "Al" Smith

James Elmer “Al” Smith, 95, of Midway, died Thursday, June 9, 2016 at his home.

He was born November 29, 1920 in McDonald, a son of the late Charles James and Rose Marie (DeHoux) Smith.

Mr. Smith worked at Weirton Steel Company for 30 years before retiring in 1982.

He was a World War II army veteran and he landed in North Africa in early May of 1943. September of the same year, he was in the invasion of Salerno, Italy. He was awarded the European African Middle Eastern Service Medal with 4 Bronze Campaign Stars.

Mr. Smith was a member of the V.F.W. Post 567 and American Legion Post 485, both of McDonald. He was a member of the McDonald Presbyterian Church and a member of the U.S.W.A.

He lived his life to the fullest until his last breath. He enjoyed his family, riding his bike on the trails, walking around McDonald and watching the Pirates.

On March 17, 1946, he married Virginia Louise Vermeulen, who died October 2, 1985.

Surviving are two daughters, Linda Roman of Mt. Lebanon and Alma (Tami) Ely of Burgettstown; a son, James Charles (Janice) Smith of Dublin, OH; a brother, Charles Smith of McDonald; 9 grandchildren, 16 great grandchildren and 1 great great grandchild.

Deceased is a brother, Merle “Buck” Smith.

Friends will be received from 12 – 4 and from 6 – 8 p.m. Sunday at Nation Funeral Home, Inc., 220 E. Lincoln Ave., McDonald. Friends and family will gather at Calvary Center of McDonald Presbyterian Church, on the corner of W. Lincoln Ave. and Station St., on Monday morning for funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Justin Amsler, officiating. Burial will follow in Robinson Run Cemetery, McDonald. Memorial contributions are requested to American Legion Post 485, 221 E. Lincoln Ave., McDonald. Online condolences, photos and additional information are available at www.nationfuneralhome.com.