John H Smelser

John H Smelser Jr was a good and decent man. He was born on a farm in McLouth Kansas January 23, 1923. After more than in 60 years living, working and raising a family in Albuquerque, NM, God called him home on January 28, 2015. John was preceded in death by his son, Les; and daughter, Marnie. He was survived by his wife of almost 70 years, Ida; children, John III, and Ruth; grandchildren, Ian, Heather, Jenny, Xander, Marnie; and 8 great-grandsons, whom he dearly loved. John had a rich and full life as a caring son, brother, husband, uncle, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. John brought a high level of integrity and honor to all the roles in his life starting as farmer, Model T mechanic, Tail Gunner in WWII where few came back, Train Brakeman and 35 years as "Johnny Lightning" with Sandia National Labs, as an Electrical Engineer by degree, mechanical engineer by desire and innovator by nature. John and Ida retired to travel the US in their RV with the SNL Roadrunners. In recent years, John enjoyed his grandchildren, instilling old fashioned values and standards in future generations. A memorial celebration of his life will be held at Covenant Presbyterian Church at 9315 Candelaria Rd., NE on Saturday, February 7, 2015 at 2:00 PM. In lieu of cards and flowers please donate to New Mexico Alzheimer's Association, in his memory. Arrangements entrusted to Riverside Funeral Home of Albuquerque, 225 San Mateo Blvd. NE, (505) 764-9663.