Baird-Freeman Funeral Home

221 North Meridian

Portland, Indiana 47371

260-726-7171

bairdfreeman@yahoo.com

Melvin Smitley, age 74, of rural Portland passed away on Monday June 27, 2022 in Persimmon Ridge Healthcare.  He was born in Portland on August 30, 1947 the son of Grant and Martha (Wiley) Smitley.  He was married on August 1, 1974 to Vicki Hilton who survives.  Mel was owner and operator of Smitley's Auctioneering and Real Estate.

He was a 1965 Portland High School graduate, attended Indiana Central University where he played baseball and football and attended Ball State University.  He was a member of Portland Evening Optimists, served as Jay County Treasurer, active in 4-H, active in Portland Little League and played baseball on the Portland Rockets.  He was a sports fanatic being a Cincinnati Reds fan and was an animal lover.

Surviving are his wife Vicki, Two sons Ryan Smitley (wife Jennifer) of Portland and Rob Green of Geneva, one daughter Laci Smitley of Portland, four grandchildren Bailee Johnson (husband Blake), Brad Green, Spencer Smitley and Sawyer Smitley, one great grandson Ryder Johnson.  He was preceded in death by a brother Jerry Smitley.

Funeral services will be Friday July 1, 2022 at 11:00 AM in the Baird-Freeman Funeral Home with Pastor Hugh Kelly presiding.  Burial will follow in the IOOF Cemetery in Pennville.  Visitation will be Thursday from 3:00 – 7:00 PM.  Memorials can be made to Pet Refuge, Jay County Humane Society or 4-H.

Online condolences at bairdfreeman.com