Mesothelioma and Asbestos

Melvin D. Smotherman of Deerfield, Michigan died at home of mesothelioma on March 4 at the age of 77. Smotherman was a welder who served in the Air Force during the Korean War. He was stationed at Chanute Air Force Base in Illinois as well as in Newfoundland to repair aircraft as a senior welder. Later in life, he worked as a welder at various nuclear power plants, a shipyard in Toledo as well as several local foundries; he got his assignments from the Toledo Area Sheet Metal Workers Union Local 33 until his retirement in 1988.

Smotherman was diagnosed with mesothelioma in January after he began having difficulty breathing. Mesothelioma is caused by exposure to asbestos, as well as exposure was ordinary among welders for many years. The funeral was held at Reeb Funeral Home on March 9. His family has requested that tributes could be made in his name to the Distinguished Olympics Ohio chapter in Hilliard.

For the filled story, go to Toledo Blade.