Robert L. Smelser, age 86, of Celina, passed away on Tuesday, November 3, 2020 at the Lima Memorial Hospital.

He was born on July 20, 1934 in Celina, Ohio to the late John and Mable (Rumple) Smelser. On September 6, 1969, he married Lassie Suttles, who survives in Celina.

He is survived by his children Marcy (Kevin Scherer) Koons of Monroeville, IN, Jeff (Rhonda) Smelser of Decatur, IN, Renee (Brent) Faurote of Decatur, IN, Randy Williams of Celina, grandchildren Nick (Jenna) Koons of Decatur, IN, Joel (Jenna) Koons of Decatur, IN, Jenna (Bub) Harner of Rockford, Kaylee (Brent) Wiedemann of Decatur, IN, Brooks (Alexa) Faurote of Indianapolis, IN, and eight great grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his parents, sisters; Marcile, Kate, Olive, Lois, Hazel, Vera, Maxine, brothers Paul, John Jr. and grandson Joseph Koons.

Robert graduated from Celina High School with the class of 1952. He formerly worked at Mersman Brothers in Celina and retired after 35 years. He was an avid sports fan. He enjoyed watching many sports teams but was loyal to Ohio State and Tennessee Vols'. He made many trips to Indiana to support his grandkids in all their sports.

He did not know a stranger but if you started a conversation with him you better be prepared to hear about his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. He also enjoyed driving around Grand Lake St. Marys and around the country side picking up papers along the way to read later that day where he would later tell you details of what was going on around the area or world. He loved the summer where you might see him enjoying the Lake Festivals, horse racing, Eldora speedway and playing the lottery.

Private Family Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, November 6, 2020 at the Lehman-Dzendzel Funeral Home, with Rev. Richard VanHorn officiating. Burial will follow in the Mercer Memory Gardens Cemetery in Celina. Attendees are required to wear masks, practice social distancing, and follow the COVID-19 guidelines established by Governor DeWine and the Ohio Department of Health.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Northwest Kidney Foundation, 801 Pro Dr. Ste. B, Celina, OH 45822.

Condolences may be shared with the Smelser family on-line at LehmanDzendzelFH.com.