Clyde Leroy Smeltzer, 89 of Coldwater passed away on Friday, August 15, 2014 at Drews Place of Coldwater.

A funeral service will take place at 11:00 AM on Friday, August 22, 2014 at the United Methodist Church in Coldwater with Rev. Steve Young officiating. Visitation will be from 5:00 – 7:00 PM on Thursday, August 21, 2014 at Dutcher Funeral Home in Coldwater and also from 10:00 – 11:00 AM Friday prior to the funeral at the UMC. Interment will be at Maple Hill Cemetery in Cadillac, MI at a later date.

Clyde was born April 23, 1925 to William F. and Vernelia B. (Orr) Smeltzer in Wisconisco, PA. After graduation from high school, he proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy during WWII while on a submarine. Shortly after returning from the Navy, Clyde moved to Chicago where he married Lillian “Neva” Raven on May 1, 1948. She preceded him in death in 2002. Clyde moved the family from Chicago to Fort Wayne, IN in 1953 where he owned and operated an electronics service business for 13 years. They moved to Coldwater in 1977, where Clyde worked at Short & Son Appliance Store. He also worked at Merchant’s Hardware in Union City for 13 years before retiring. On July 26, 2003 he married Claire Donner at the United Methodist Church in Coldwater.

Mr. Smeltzer was very involved in the community. He enjoyed volunteering at the senior center, Branch County Habitat for Humanity, and the United Methodist Church. Clyde’s hobbies included woodworking, cooking & baking, and vegetable & flower gardening. He also liked traveling the country.

Clyde is survived by his wife of 11 years, Claire Donner-Smeltzer of Coldwater; his step-children Garry (Karen) Donner of Canton, Mark (Maria) Donner of Coldwater, and Paul (Sue) Donner of Santa Rosa, CA; his sister-in-laws Annie Raven and Dick (Lois) Binkley; seven step grandchildren and two step great grandchildren; and four nieces. He was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife Lillian Smeltzer; his brothers Franklin & James Smeltzer; his sister Elizabeth Smeltzer and one step grandchild.

Memorials may be directed to the United Methodist Church, Habitat for Humanity, or Southern Care Hospice of Jackson. www.dutcherfh.com