Louis L. Smelser

We are sad to announce that on July 9, 2023 Louis Lynwood Smelser, of Toledo peacefully passed away at home. Louis was born August 30, 1946 to Wesley and Virginia Smelser.

As a child he was raised on the family farm in Petersburg, MI where he learned how to drive a tractor, tend to the chickens and milk, Ruby, the cow. With these types of chores Louie excelled in kindness and had a stellar work ethic.

In 1960, the family moved to Toledo where Louie graduated from Scott High School in 1964. In January 1966, he enlisted in the US Army where he was deployed to Vietnam during the Tet Offensive with Company C of the 46th Engineer Battalion. One of his assignments was the Company Commanders Driver which he carried out with the utmost in efficiency and competence.

Louie loved boating, fishing, music, Motown to be exact, talking on the phone, his country, and sports especially hockey. May your Detroit Red Wings do well this year.

My dad was a loving, kind and caring man. He had a phenomenal memory and loved telling stories. He had a great sense of humor. And he very much enjoyed playing the 3 digit lottery and won often. When he called to tell me he had money for me because his numbers came in I could hear the joy of achievement in his voice. The memories of my daddy will always be a blessing to me. You will be dearly missed.

He is survived by his daughter, Candace; his son, John; his grandson, Gavin Brown; his fur baby, Chino; his brothers, Bob, Bruce, Kevin, and Bill; and his childhood friends, Barry and Brenda Elder and Vicky Calkins.

There will be a celebration on life at a later date this summer.