David Paul Smelster
David Paul Smelster
1946-2007
David Smeltser, 60, of Alexandria Missouri died peacefully in his home after a lengthy illness. He was surrounded by family and friends who love him.
He was born on September 19, 1946 in Keokuk, the son of Floyd Sr. and Mary Alice Pruett Smeltser.
He was a 1964 graduate of Clark County High School. He enlisted in the United States Marine Corp the same year. He served two tours of duty in Vietnam. He served with the India Company 3/3 and was a survivor of Operation Star Lite. He also served with the H&S Company, 2nd division Recon battalion, 2nd Marines in Camp Lejune, specializing in Drone Control Operations. Dave was extremely proud of his military service and received the Presidential Unit Citation, National Defense Service Metal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign, Rifle Sharpshooter Badge, Good Conduct Medal (First Award), Pistol Marksman Badge, and the Navy Unit Citation.
On February 12, 1977 he was united in marriage to Tina Protsman in Wayland, Missouri.
Left to cherish his memory is his wife Tina Smeltser of Alexandria, MO, two sons, Zebadiah Smeltser of Germany and Sean Smeltser of Kirksville, Missouri; one daughter, Lisa Bowen of Hannibal, Missouri; his father Floyd Smeltser Sr. of Alexandria, Missouri; his mother Mary Alice Pruett Smeltser of Wayland, Missouri; three brothers, Floyd Jr. “Snook” Smeltser and his wife Kathy of Smithton, Missouri, Roger Smeltser and his wife Kitty of Hamilton, Illinois and Steve Smeltser and his wife Cora of Kahoka, Missouri; two sisters Pam Wright and her husband Wayne of Wayland, Missouri and Kathy Carr and her husband Mike of Keokuk, Iowa; his mother-in-law, June Protsman of Keokuk, Iowa; two brothers-in-law Frank Protsman and his wife Joyce of Keokuk, Iowa and Danny Protsman and his wife Denise of Alexandria, Missouri; six grandchildren Stephanie, Natasha and Evan Smeltser, Jeremy and Tyler Vogel and Victoria Bowen; his special pal his cat Christopher; numerous uncles, aunts, cousins, nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his maternal and paternal grandparents, his father-in-law Frank Protsman Sr. and an infant sister, Deborah Smelster.
Dave was a member of the VFW Post #3508, American Legion Post 41 and the Alexandria Presbyterian Church. He loved to sit and visit with his friends at Bob Lands Station while scratching his lotto tickets. Dave also enjoyed woodworking.
Graveside services will be 11 a.m. Friday at Keokuk National Cemetery with Reverend David Castrodale officiating.
Visitation will be held after 1 p.m. Thursday at Vigen Memorial Home in Keokuk, Iowa with family meeting friends from 6 – 8 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established.
On-line condolences may be sent to the family at www.vigenmemorialhome.com.
