JOHN RAYMOND SCHMELZER, JR. was born September 1, 1941 in Kennewick, Washington, to parents John Raymond Schmelzer, Sr. and Laura Ella Blair Schmelzer. He passed away peacefully in Kennewick, Washington on September 5, 2025. John graduated from Kennewick High School in 1959 and went on to study electronics in college. John married his wife of 60 years in June of 1965 and went on to spend time as an electronic instructor in the Army. After he left the Army, John put his electronics expertise to use and spent a few years overseas in England and Italy working with the Air Force. Following the birth of his daughters; Erica, in Italy and Jennifer in California, they returned to Kennewick where they remained until his death. John worked for Battelle for many years retiring in 2007.

John is survived by his wife, Glennda, daughters Erica Woods (Monty) and Jennifer Riggins (Rob), his five grandchildren, Ashley Duncan, Jason Ludwig, Zachary Riggins, Sierra Riggins Burton, and Jessica Riggins, and his two great grandsons, Jonathon Maccaroni and Preston Burton. He is also survived by his siblings, Lorretta Hesse, Arnold Schmelzer, Sandra Kirkwood, Allen Schmelzer, and numerous nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his sister Jean Pacheco, brother David Schmelzer, sister Carol Berna, and his parents, John Raymond Schmelzer, Sr. and Laura Ella Blair Schmelzer.

We would like to thank Callaway Gardens and their staff for caring for John in his last months.

There will be graveside services at Desert Lawn Memorial Park, 1401 South Union, Kennewick, WA 99338 on Friday, September 26 at 10:00 am. Celebration of Life to follow.