Howard R. "Slim" Smeltzer

Howard R. “Slim” Smeltzer, 85, formerly of Ford City, died Sunday, June 22, 2025, at Kittanning Health and Rehab Center.

Born May 26, 1940, in Manor Township, he was a son of the late Howard O. and Helen Leena (Myer) Smeltzer.

A veteran of the U.S. Army, he proudly served his country in the Vietnam War.

He was a member of Emmanuel Heilman Lutheran Church.  He also belonged to the Disabled American Veterans of Butler, the Ford City VFW, the C.U. Club, the Polish Falcons, the Kittanning Men’s Club and the Kittanning Eagles.  Slim enjoyed going to the clubs to see his buddies.  He worked as a park ranger and in maintenance at Crooked Creek State Park.

Slim is survived by two sisters: Helen Galbraith and Irene Galbraith, both of New Bethlehem; and three brothers: Kenneth (Beverly) Smeltzer of Rayburn Township, Roger (Cathy) Smeltzer of Kittanning, and Donald (Sue) Smeltzer of Worthington.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Earl and Delbert Smeltzer, and a sister, Janet Cameron.

Friends will be welcomed from 3-6 p.m. Thursday at Welch Funeral Service, LLC, 1032 Fourth Ave., Ford City, where services will be held at 10 a.m. Friday with Pastor Eric Damon officiating.  Interment will follow in Heilman Cemetery.  To share memories or condolences, please visit www.welchfh.com.

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