Schmelyun, formerly of Silver Run and Arbutus, Md., competed at several regional tracks, including Lincoln Speedway, in his career.

At Lincoln, Schmelyun accumulated seven feature wins between July 17, 1965, and Aug. 24. 1968, to rank in a tie for 38th on the track's all-time victory list. He posted back-to-back feature victories for his final two at Lincoln.

A Baltimore native, Schmelyun, driving for car owner Al Hamilton, also won two features at Hagerstown Speedway and one at Susquehanna Speedway Park in 1968.

Schmelyun also won three career super sprint features at Williams Grove Speedway.

Schmelyun drove 1930's-style Ford coupes at the former Dorsey Speedway in the early 1960's before moving into the cars which would become super sprints.

A heavy equipment operator for most of his life, Schmelyun owned his own paving business.

His survivors include a son, Rick Jr., who enjoyed his own racing career with appearances at Lincoln Speedway during his career.

The memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, April 6, at St. Joseph's Church, Route 194, Taneytown, Md.