William J Smeltzer

William J. "Bill" Smeltzer, 85, Hollidaysburg, went home to be with the Lord Tuesday evening at Altoona Regional Health System, Altoona Hospital Campus. He was born in Lakemont, son of Homer J. and Laura B. (Mays) Smeltzer. He married Belva L. Merritt on Feb. 12, 1949, at Lakemont United Methodist Church, and she died Oct. 15, 1999. He then married Betty Ronk on March 2, 2003. Surviving are three children: Ruth Walls (Randy), William II (Martha) and Brenda Marks (Ed), all of Hollidaysburg; eight grandchildren: Amy B. Smolko, Summer L. Ferguson, Emily J. McKee, Eve E. Hauser, Ellen M. Sollars, Erin M. Smeltzer, Lori L. Rimbeck and Eddie Marks; 13 great-grandchildren; two stepgreat-grandchildren; a sister, Ivadell Gummo of Depew, N.Y.; as well as many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by three sisters: Thelma Gummo, Eunice Johnson and Mildred Todd. Bill was a WWII U.S. Navy veteran, serving as a ship's cook from January 1944 to May 1946. He retired on May 23, 1976, as a conductor from the Pennsylvania Railroad after 30 years of service. He was a member of West Loop Missionary Church but had also attended Smith Corner Church. Bill belonged to the Loop Sportsman's Club and previously had been a member of the Frankstown Sportsman's Club. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, painting and singing gospel music. At the request of the deceased, there will be no viewing. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 26, 2011, at West Loop Missionary Church, Pastor Dave McClanahan officiating. Interment will be at Grandview Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to West Loop Missionary Church or Smith Corner Church.