Melvin was born on December 13, 1919, near Williamsburg, Iowa to Eben Claris and Flossie Ochs Smith. He attended public school in Killduff/Sully and graduated with the Class of 1937 from Newton High School. On September 21, 1940, Melvin married Arlene Horras, participating in a double ceremony in Killduff, Iowa, with his brother, Leroy and Arlene's twin sister, Irene Horras. The couple farmed near Millersburg and they were members of the Community Church. In 1959, they moved to the Brooklyn area to farm. He was an active member of the Victor Baptist Church and served as Sunday School Superintendent, teacher and Deacon. He was active in the Christian Farmer's Association and he also served on the Advisory Board of Grace University in Omaha. Melvin was known for his love of God, wisdom in understanding the Bible and living it's principles. He always had a song on his lips to praise his Savior, until he took his final breath. Melvin and Arlene welcomed missionaries and guest speakers into their home. He had patience and a giving spirit for those in need of encouragement and finances. They moved to Grinnell in 1998 and he has resided at Careage of Newton for the past few years. Survivors include his children, Dean (Jane) Smith of Sun City, AZ, Ken (Donna Jo) Smith of Newton, Linda (Ed) Gross of Victor and Rhonda (Charlie) Klaassen of Brooklyn; 13 grandchildren; 33 great-grandchildren; one sister, Doris Burden of Springfield, MO and one brother, Floyd (Shirley) Smith of North English. He was preceded in death by his wife; his parents; two brothers, Leroy and Truman Smith; two sisters, Evelyn and Selma Smith; and three great grandchildren.