Dale Smeltzer

Dale Smeltzer passed away on Thursday, April 11, 2013 at Homestead following a long, courageous battle with Alzheimer's. Dale was born in Taylor, Arkansas on June 29, 1933, the eldest son of Harry F. and Mary E. Smeltzer.

On April 11, 1953 Dale married Betty Jean Proffitt. He passed away on their 60th anniversary. They had two sons, Ron Smeltzer (Pam) of Topeka and Mark Smeltzer (Karen) of Little Rock, Arkansas.

Dale is survived by his wife, sons and daughters-in-law, five grandchildren, Mark Dale Smeltzer, Trent Dale Smeltzer, Jacob Root, Ginger Root and Keith Root and one great- grandson, Merit Bynum. Surviving also are his brothers, Cliff (Margie), Hot Springs, Arkansas, Don (Reba) Smackover, Arkansas, and his sister, Lavern Terrell (Bob) of Shreveport, Louisiana. His brother, Wayne, preceded him in death as did his parents.

Dale was a veteran having served two years with the United States Army in Korea. Upon his discharge he entered college and began preparation to become a teacher. After graduation from Southern State College in 1960, Dale began his long and rewarding career as an educator teaching English at Smackover High School, Smackover, Arkansas. He later became counselor and history teacher at Norphlet High School. Taking a sabbatical, Dale spent a year at Oklahoma State University where he earned his Master's in Counseling. He returned to Norphlet High School for two years then moved to Halstead, Kansas where he served as High School counselor and psychology teacher for nine years. During those years Dale acquired Administrative Certification from Wichita State University. In 1975, he was named Principal at Washburn Rural High School in Topeka, Kansas, a position he held for 13 years until he became a cancer survivor and elected to re-enter the classroom and teach. He ended his career teaching World History to seventh graders at Washburn Rural Middle School when he retired in 1995.

After retirement Dale was an active member of Topeka Beautification Association and Topeka Men's Fellowship. He was a faithful and active member of First Southern Baptist Church where he served as Deacon, Sunday School Teacher, and Finance Team Leader on the Leadership Team.

An avid gardener, Dale's garden was always spectacular. He loved working in his yard, golfing, fishing, and traveling. However, his greatest joy in retirement was spending time with his beloved grandsons, Mark and Trent. Being their "Papa' might have been his most rewarding role. They made beautiful memories!

Cremation has taken place. A Celebration of Life service for Dale will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 16 at First Southern Baptist Church. Visitation will be at Penwell-Gabel Southwest Chapel on Monday, April 15 from 6:00 pm until 8:00 pm.

Memorial contributions may be made to First Southern Baptist Church "Freedom to Serve", 1912 SW Gage Blvd, Topeka, KS 66604, Midland Care, 200 SW Frazier Cir, Topeka, KS 66606 or the Alzheimer's Association, 4125 SW Gage Center Dr, Ste LL-15, Topeka, KS 66604.