David Allen Smelker

David A. Smelker Sr. age 66, a lifelong resident of Freeport, Michigan, passed away Saturday September 3, 2011 at Spectrum Health in Grand Rapids. Dave was born November 8, 1944 in Hastings, MI, the son of Robert Conrad and Agnes (Batey) Smelker. He attended Freeport schools all his life until his senior year when Freeport annexed to Middleville's Thornapple-Kellogg. Dave's Freeport class was the first to graduate from T-K in 1962. He was a lifelong farmer, he also worked at Duke's Sod Gang, Yoder's Service Station and 38 years at Hastings Manufacturing Company, retiring in 2005. Dave proudly served his country in Chu-Chi Vietnam as Specialist 4 ^th Class in the 25 ^th Infantry Division Supply and Transport. He was a member of the County Line Pullers (tractor pulling). Dave served as a Freeport volunteer fireman, was a V FW member and was on the Freeport fast-pitch softball team. He enjoyed antique tractors and farming with his brother and nephew.

Dave was preceded in death by his parents, sister-in-law, Gloria (Chick) Smelker and his best friend and loyal companion for the last 13 years, "Bud" (his golden retriever).

He leaves behind two sons; David Smelker Jr. of Freeport and Robert (Shannon) Smelker of Hastings, five grandchildren: Alexis, Evan, Ryan, Kristin, and Caden Smelker, one great - grandson Trenton, two brothers, James (Martha) Smelker of Custer, MI. and K. Jon (Colleen) Smelker of Freeport, MI., nephews; Scott, and Mark Smelker, one very special nephew, Brad Smelker and two great-nieces: Corinne and Jessica Smelker.