Obituaries

David R. Smeltz, 88, of Shamokin Dam, PA, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, at his residence. He was born on December 12, 1937, in Bloomsburg, PA; the son of the late Rev. Myles R. Smeltz and Edith N. Smeltz (Lubold).

David graduated from Milton High School in 1955.

He was married to his loving wife, Donnis L. Lehman, for 68 years. They were married on January 18, 1958.

David was employed by Erie Insurance Group, Danville, PA.

He was a current member of St. John’s Lutheran Church, Pottsgrove, PA and a former member of St. Paul's (Straub's) Lutheran Church, Danville and St. Stephen's Lutheran Church, Williamsburg, VA

David was a member of the Danville Area School Board 1976-1981 and Secretary & Treasurer for 5 years of the East Penn Chapter #12 Camping Club of Masonic Families, Pottstown, PA. He also served in the Danville-Mahoning Lodge #224 F&AM as Past Master, served as Worshipful Master in 1967. He also served on the Danville Holy Royal Arch Chapter No. 239 as High Priest in 1970. David went on to serve as Commander in the Calvary Commandery No. 37 of Danville in 1973 and Grand Sentinel from 1976-1977 and went on to Division Commander from 1978-1981. He then served as the Right Eminent Grand Commander of the Grand Commandry of Knight Templar of Pennsylvania from 1986-1987 and the Knight York Cross of Honor Penny Priory No. 6 of Mechanicsburg, PA in 1978. David also was a member of Vallerchamp Council No. 25, Royal and Select Masters Masons of Sunbury, PA serving as Thrice Illustrious Master in 1977. David served with the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite of Free Masonry of Williamsport, PA and the Williamsport Chapter of Rose Croix. David served as the Most Wise Master in 1989 and created a Sovereign Grand Inspector General 33 degree on September 26, 1984, in Boston, Massachusetts.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by one daughter, Beth Ann Neitz (Martin) of Selinsgrove, PA and one son, David Smeltz, Jr. and his wife Nicole of Fuquay-Varina, North Carolina, as well as eight grandchildren and one great grandson. David is also survived by one brother; Lee Smeltz.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by one brother; Myles Smeltz.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Celebration of David’s Life to be held on Saturday, August 15, 2026, at 11:00AM at Danville-Mahoning Lodge #224 F&AM, 11 Jerseytown Road, Danville, PA with Pastor Greg Molter officiating. Friends will be received on Friday evening, August 14, 2026, from 6-8pm at the lodge. Burial will be held in Zion Lutheran Church Cemetery Association, Kratzerville, PA.

The family will provide flowers. Memorial contributions may be made to the Danville-Mahoning Lodge #224 F&AM.

Arrangements are under the direction of Visneski Funeral Home, Inc 42 West Mahoning Street Danville PA 17821.