Stanley R. Smelser

Stanley R. Smelser, 96, passed away Friday, October 4 at Mulberry Healthcare in Mulberry, Indiana. Born on December 29, 1927 to Gordon and Rosella Hanns Smelser in Crothersville, Indiana, he was raised near Wolcott and graduated from Wolcott High School. Stanley enlisted in the U.S. Army right out of high school in 1946 and served in Japan with the 11th Airborne Division occupation forces as a paratrooper. He participated in the WWII Honor Flight in October 2014. Stanley retired from Alcoa Aluminum Company after 39 years and served as president of the Alcoa 25 Year Club.

Stanley loved the Lord and was very active in church, most recently as a member of Evergreen Wesleyan Church in Lafayette. He taught Sunday School, worked with the youth group, sang in the choir and spent many evenings going house to house with Pastor Joe Park sharing the Gospel. A favorite verse that Stan was known to quote (A LOT) was I Thessalonians 5:18, “In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” 

Surviving are sons Gary (Donna) of West Lafayette, Jerry (Norma) of Lafayette and daughters Cindy Bowman of Romney, and Gail Rupp (Stan) of Lafayette as well as 12 grandchildren and 29 great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents, brother Robert Smelser, sister Alberta Smith, first wife Helen Hendersot Smelser, infant son Terry, second wife Jean Ann Smith Smelser and grandson Michael Smelser.

Friends may call from 5-7 PM on Thursday October 10, 2024 at Hahn-Groeber Funeral Home 1104 Columbia Street, Lafayette, IN 47901. Funeral services will be at 10 AM on Friday October 11, 2024 at Hahn-Groeber Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to Evergreen Wesleyan Church. Hahn-Groeber Funeral Home of Lafayette is caring for the Smelser family. Memories and condolences may be left at hahngroeberfuneralhome.com