The death of Merritt Edward Smith of Searsville occurred on March 8, 2005 at the Sussex Health Centre. Born at Sussex, Merritt was a son of the late William L. and Grace (Keirstead) Smith. He is survived by his son Jason Thomas (Jennifer Wheaton) of Sussex, sisters Marge Forgrave (Tom), Evelyn Beaman (Gerald), Liz Murphy (Doug) and Linda Bartlett (Donald), brothers Lawrence (Jean) Smith and Murray Smith, sister-in-laws Zona and Audrey Smith and brother-in-law Kenneth Wright. Merritt was predeceased by a son David Thomas, sister Violet Wright and brothers James, Lloyd, Charlie and Charles Smith. The family will receive visitors at the Sussex Select Community Funeral Home, 21 Aiton Road Sussex (506-433-2133) on Thursday from 7-9 PM. The funeral service will be held on Friday March 11, 2005 at 2:00 pm in the funeral home chapel. Interment will be at Lester Cemetery at a later date. As expressions of sympathy donations made to the Canadian Cancer Society would be appreciated by the family.