Eric Lonewolf "Chops" Smeltzer, 51, of Goshen——Full Throttled into the Black Moon, on Sunday, August 24, 2025, Shifting Gears into the new Moon, passing peacefully at Goshen General Hospital after a 10 month Battle of Survial.

Born on June 26, 1974, on a farm in Middlebury to the late Dennis R. Smeltzer and Jennielee "Jennie" (DeMusey) Smeltzer, Eric grew up with grit, humor, and a deep respect for faith, family, and freedom. He never forgot where he came from and carried the values of the family farm into everything he did—honest work, loyalty to kin, and a love for life's simple blessings.

Eric, known to some as Lonewolf,  to all as"Chops"- is Now reunited with his "Ride or Die," Davida S. Henderson, who passed earlier this year. January 5, 2025, The two of them shared an unshakable bond, the kind of love story that doesn't end—it just shifts to a new horizon. Those who knew Chops best say he was more than ready to fire up "Rowdy" his  Harley, with Davida riding on his 6 as they set out on their next Journey together.

He is survived by his loving mother, Jennie, of Middlebury; his brother Josh (Pam) Smeltzer, also of Middlebury; nephews Ray and Dennis Smeltzer and Aurden McQueary; his caregiver, "soul sister," and  Crystal D. (Michael) Kitch of Elkhart; and a countless extended family of brothers and sisters in the biker community who will feel his absence like an empty highway. He was a welder for Himco in Elkhart. He Loved what he did,

Chops was the kind of man who could walk into a room full of strangers and leave with a Pack of friends. His gift for laughter, his willingness to lend a hand, and his knack for making even the toughest days a little lighter made him unforgettable. He loved fishing, camping, and anything that got him outdoors—but the open road was where his soul truly came alive. Wind in his face, throttle wide open, and freedom stretched out ahead—that was Chops'.

Though he never served in uniform, Chops lived like a soldier of patriotism. He carried an unwavering pride in America and supported the men and women who wear the nation's colors, whether they were in combat boots or turnout gear. First responders, veterans, and active-duty military held a sacred place in his heart. Chops was the guy who would stand tall, hand over heart, when Old Glory waved, and he expected the same from those around him. His patriotism wasn't a performance—it was a code, stitched into his soul.

The biker community knew him as more than just another rider. He was family. He was loyalty. He was that guy who would pull over to help you wrench on your bike in the rain, or share the last cold beer from the cooler at the end of a long rally. His legacy is etched not only in chrome and leather, but in the laughter, loyalty, and love he poured into those lucky enough to call him brother.

Billings Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Elkhart are assisting with cremation arrangements. A memorial gathering of friends and family—a true celebration of Chops' life—will take place Sunday, October 25, 2025 from 3 pm to whenever at 2901 Edwardsburg Avenue in Elkhart. It will undoubtedly be filled with stories, laughter, a few tears, and more than a few revving engines, just the way he would want it.

So This Jameson is to You our Brother Chops. The road is endless now, the skies are wide open, and the only fuel you'll ever need is love. You've earned your peace. We'll catch up to you down the Road.

Chops' Last Ride

Biking oil was in his blood; fuel flowing through his heart. Throttle revving but the flood meant that his engine wouldn't start.

The exhaust sounded rather rough, it's noise…cutting like a knife; The gallant spark not quite enough to fire his engine back to life.

The key was turned, the button pushed, expecting a thundering roar, But his engine…knackered…bushed… wouldn't function any more.

Our friend Chops has died, but still, his soul rides onward to the West. His wheels roll on, over vale and hill; as he heads for his eternal rest.

So we'll mount up and onward ride, towards the sunset we'll head once more. Paying tribute to our brother who died, remembering Chops, who's gone before.