Obituary for Melvin L. Smith
Melvin L. "Mel" Smith of Clearfield died December 4, 2022 at home after a 3 year battle with soft tissue sarcoma.
In his 70 years, he proved to be a hardworking man who enjoyed learning new skills and being challenged with various types of entrepreneurial endeavors. A 1969 graduate of Clearfield High School, Mel was employed at Piper aircraft, learned to be a machinist in the Army National Guard, owned and operated Lynch Knife Grinding Service, owned and operated the Battery Warehouse in DuBois, PA, and was also a custodian at the CMA School. Often working two jobs, Mel was employed in road construction for much of his life, created a thriving rental property business, and was a former Lawrence Township Supervisor and roadmaster.
Mel lived for new adventures and made friends all across the US on his motorcycle trips. A feat achieved by only few brave souls, Mel skillfully rode a motorcycle to one of the northernmost roads in the world, the Dalton Highway in Alaska (the “Haul Road”). He loved to tell anyone about his encounter with a huge bale of hay that rolled off a truck in front of him on the highway and the time he ran over a nine point buck with his Goldwing, never dropping his motorcycle either time. He enjoyed and owned several British cars, fast sports cars and motorcycles, and most recently a 2022 Corvette. Mel was fortunate to enjoy several hunting trips in the western US with very dear friends.
Mel was the son of Donald Smith and Lucille (Peoples) Smith of Lecontes Mills, who preceded him in death. He was also preceded in death by a nephew and great niece.
Mary (Blowers) Smith, formerly of Woodland, survives as his wife of 50 years. Mel’s daughter Melanie Smith, and her husband, Scott Wray, also survive. Mel’s son, Melvin “Lynn” Smith, and Lynn’s daughter, Evelynn “Evvy” Smith, also survive along with Evvy’s brothers Mason Chelgren and Wesley Chelgren. Mel’s four siblings-Shirley, Donna, Kathy, and Ken- also survive. Mel’s two aunts, Maryann Elensky and Gloria Tripp, also survive, along with numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Mel had attended the Lake Street UM Church, CMA at Clearfield, and Flegal Road Church of Christ.
At Mel's request, there will be no viewing or services.
Arrangements will be provided by Beardsley Funeral Home and Crematory, Clearfield.
We do however, appreciate the sharing of stories and fond memories with the surviving family members. We loved him very much and will miss him dearly.
Stories of fond memories may be made at www.beardsleyfuneralhome.com
In his 70 years, he proved to be a hardworking man who enjoyed learning new skills and being challenged with various types of entrepreneurial endeavors. A 1969 graduate of Clearfield High School, Mel was employed at Piper aircraft, learned to be a machinist in the Army National Guard, owned and operated Lynch Knife Grinding Service, owned and operated the Battery Warehouse in DuBois, PA, and was also a custodian at the CMA School. Often working two jobs, Mel was employed in road construction for much of his life, created a thriving rental property business, and was a former Lawrence Township Supervisor and roadmaster.
Mel lived for new adventures and made friends all across the US on his motorcycle trips. A feat achieved by only few brave souls, Mel skillfully rode a motorcycle to one of the northernmost roads in the world, the Dalton Highway in Alaska (the “Haul Road”). He loved to tell anyone about his encounter with a huge bale of hay that rolled off a truck in front of him on the highway and the time he ran over a nine point buck with his Goldwing, never dropping his motorcycle either time. He enjoyed and owned several British cars, fast sports cars and motorcycles, and most recently a 2022 Corvette. Mel was fortunate to enjoy several hunting trips in the western US with very dear friends.
Mel was the son of Donald Smith and Lucille (Peoples) Smith of Lecontes Mills, who preceded him in death. He was also preceded in death by a nephew and great niece.
Mary (Blowers) Smith, formerly of Woodland, survives as his wife of 50 years. Mel’s daughter Melanie Smith, and her husband, Scott Wray, also survive. Mel’s son, Melvin “Lynn” Smith, and Lynn’s daughter, Evelynn “Evvy” Smith, also survive along with Evvy’s brothers Mason Chelgren and Wesley Chelgren. Mel’s four siblings-Shirley, Donna, Kathy, and Ken- also survive. Mel’s two aunts, Maryann Elensky and Gloria Tripp, also survive, along with numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Mel had attended the Lake Street UM Church, CMA at Clearfield, and Flegal Road Church of Christ.
At Mel's request, there will be no viewing or services.
Arrangements will be provided by Beardsley Funeral Home and Crematory, Clearfield.
We do however, appreciate the sharing of stories and fond memories with the surviving family members. We loved him very much and will miss him dearly.
Stories of fond memories may be made at www.beardsleyfuneralhome.com