Ernest Melvin Smith died October 10, 2009 at his home in Ekalaka. He was born April 9, 1956 to Melvin and Annabelle (Taylor) Smith in Redwood Falls, MN. Ernie spent his early years on a farm with his sisters, Patty, Joyce and Jeannie. He attended and graduated from Morton High School. He attended the Universtity of Minnesota in Crookston where he took his first flying lesson. Ernie loved flying and airplanes, attending the an aerial spraying school in Arizona. Ernie had been doing aerial spraying in South Dakota before moving to Ekalaka. Left to cherish his memory is his wife Susan; daughter Shyloh; 2 sisters and many other family and friends. A celebration of Life will be held on October 24, 2009 at the Church of Hank Williams at 3PM in Ekalaka.