Tracey Schmelzenbach

Harold Tracey Schmelzenbach age 73, of Caldwell, OH passed away unexpectedly Sunday, August 31, 2025 at the OhioHealth Kobacker House in Columbus, OH following a brief illness. He was born July 6, 1952 in Marietta, OH a son of the late Dorothy Carpenter Moore and William Harold Schmelzenbach.

He was a 1970 graduate of Caldwell High School. Tracey was a member of the Hiramsburg United Methodist Church, United Mine Workers Local 1604, and Caldwell Moose Lodge 221. He was a former Noble Township Trustee and a former member of the Belle Valley Volunteer Fire Department. Tracey was a founding member of the Shenandoah Little League, where he also served as a coach. In his free time, he could be found playing cards, board games, or watching his favorite show Gunsmoke. Tracey was an avid hunter and always enjoyed socializing with his lifelong hunting buddies. His greatest joy came from spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Tracey will be remembered for his strong work ethic, dedicating over 19 years to Sidwell Brothers, where he served as a certified blaster and carried out many other responsibilities at the mine. He was the owner and operator of Valley Excavating for over 25 years. He took great pride in having all his children, grandchildren, and brother-in-law Gary Caldwell work alongside him in the business at some point.

Those left to cherish his memory are his wife of 52 years Janet L. Caldwell Schmelzenbach whom he married June 1, 1973; four sons Scott Tracy Schmelzenbach of Caldwell, Chad Michael (Chasity) Schmelzenbach of Caldwell, Jared Lee Schmelzenbach of Caldwell, Todd Aaron (Leah) Schmelzenbach of Athens, OH; grandchildren Dawson Schmelzenbach, Christopher Schmelzenbach, Andrew (Taylor) Hannum, Alex (Maddy) Hannum, and another grandson expected shortly; great-grandchildren Wyatt, Waylon, Wrena, Odessa, and Delilah; siblings Terry (Susan) Schmelzenbach of Caldwell and Nancy (Bill) Burnett of Marietta, OH; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law Linda Anderson, Gary (Mary) Caldwell, Sherry (Steve) Roe, and Jay (Gloria) Caldwell. He is also survived by several nieces, nephews, and friends.

The family will receive friends for visitation Thursday, September 4, 2025 from 4:00 to 8:00 PM at the Chandler Funeral Home, 609 West Street, Caldwell, OH 43724. A funeral service will be held Friday, September 5, 2025 at 1:00 PM in the Chandler Funeral Home Chapel, with his brother Pastor Terry Schmelzenbach and Pastor Rodney Parson co-officiating. Burial will follow in the Hiramsburg Cemetery in Hiramsburg, OH. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the Hiramsburg United Methodist Church, c/o Bea Bates, 52300 Singer Rd., Cumberland, OH 43732.