Russell Edward Smeltzer, 88, of Pine Grove Mills, went home to be with his Lord on Tuesday, February 23, 2010, at Centre Crest Nursing Center in Bellefonte.
He was born December 11, 1921, at State College, PA; a son of the late Joseph Earl and Mable Hoy Smeltzer.
On June 22, 1943, he married Leda H. Rinehart Smeltzer, who survives at home.
Russell graduated from State College High School in 1942; then served in the Army Air Corps during World War II from 1942 to 1946.
Returning from the war, Mr. Smeltzer worked as an auto salesman and parts man for Jack Smith in State College. Later he owned and operated Smeltzer Equipment, selling dairy and farm equipment.
He was an active member of Woodycrest United Methodist Church in State College and a member of their Men's Brotherhood. He was also a member of the Farm Dealers Association.
Russell especially enjoyed woodworking and fishing.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by a daughter, Karen Dixon and her husband Dan of Spring Mills; two sons, Gerald Smeltzer and his wife Nancy of Canton, Ohio, and Scott Smeltzer and his wife Deanna of Birmingham, Alabama; eight grandchildren Hallie Smeltzer, Matt Smeltzer and his wife Dannette, Nicole Shunk and her husband Corby, Shannon Arney and her husband Nate, Emily Neideigh and her husband Derek, Amanda, Sara and Olivia Smeltzer; six great grandchildren, Baylor and Colton Shunk, Rylee Arney, Gavin Neideigh, and Alicia and Nathan Smeltzer; and a sister in law Ann Smeltzer.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a great grandson, Ryker Arney and three brothers Clyde, Ray and Richard Smeltzer, and a sister in law Hazel Smeltzer.
Friends will be received from 6 - 8 p. m. Friday, February 26, 2010 at Mark D. Heintzelman Funeral and Cremation Service, 1034 Benner Pike State College, PA and also from 9:00 a. m. until 10:00 a. m Saturday, February, 27, 2010 at the funeral home. The funeral service will follow at 10:00 a. m. at the funeral home with the Reverend Renee Ford officiating. Burial will be at Centre County Memorial Park, 1032 Benner Pike, State College, PA.
Contributions in his memory may be made to Woodycrest United Methodist Church, 219 West Clearview Ave., State College, PA 16803, designated for the "In His Service Care Group".
A guest book can be signed or condolences sent to the family at www.heintzelmanfuneralhome.com.
Dad, Thank you for always being there for me and for loving me so much. Thank you for all of the things you taught me. For teaching me values and honesty and for raising me in a Christain environment. For teaching me to be humble, to treat others with kindness and respect, and most importantly to love our lord Jesus Christ with all my heart and to have faith that he will always guide me through tough times. I will miss fishing and hunting with you, working with you at the shop, and just talking to you every week. You never missed an opportunity to tell me that you loved me or that you were proud of me. Those words meant so much to me at the time and I will always remember them. You are my inspiration, as you inspired so many others. Thank you for serving our country with honor, for making people around you smile, and for being the best Dad anyone could ever ask for. I love you so much and will miss you dearly. The best part is that you are now with our Lord and Savior and I know that I will see you again in heaven. I also know when I do see you in heaven, you will greet me with open arms as you always did. You lived a good life Dad, and I am proud of you. Love ya Dad. Your son Scott.