WATERLOO - Funeral services are noon Saturday at First United Methodist Church in Cedar Falls for retired longtime Courier Sports Editor Russ L. Smith, 84, who died Wednesday. Burial will be in Fairview Cemetery, Waterloo.

Smith retired in 1990 after 47 years with the Courier. He began working with the Courier in 1942 after graduating from Waterloo East High School. He continued his job while working towards his degree in physical education and social science from Iowa State Teachers College.

After graduation, Smith taught and coached baseball and basketball at high schools in New Hartford and Orange Township. In 1949, he quit coaching to concentrate on journalism. In 1966 he became the paper's sports editor and held that position until his retirement in January of 1990.

He was considered an authority on high school and collegiate wrestling and authored the book "Dan Gable: The Wrestler," about the Waterloo-born 1972 Olympic gold medal winner .

Smith was inducted into the UNI Athletics Hall of Fame in 1991.

Visitation will be at Richardson Funeral Home in Cedar Falls from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday and for an hour prior to services Saturday at the church.

Memorials may be made to the UNI Athletic Department of the Alzheimer's Association.

Richardson Funeral Home in Cedar Falls is in charge of arrangements.

The Courier will have a story Thursday talking to people who will talk about the impact Smith had on sports journalism.