Don Elbert Smith Sr.

Don was born August 28, 1930 in Hemphill, TX to Luvina and Ora Smith. He graduated from Pineland High School in 1948, where he was a star basketball player. Don spent time in Las Vegas in his early years working in the casinos before moving to Louisiana in 1965. Once in Louisiana, he opened the very first auto auction in Lake Charles and was the proud owner of Bob’s Auto Sales for the past 45 years. He was a loving husband, father and grandfather who enjoyed watching sports from his recliner, remodeling homes and caring for his dogs Toy and Tex.

Don is survived by his wife, Lula Mae Smith; five sons, Karl Smith,Tom Smith, Steve Hare, Tim Jones and Don Smith Jr. as well as four daughters, Tammy Turner, Vickie Modeland, Karen Wyont and Kellie Smith; 17 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren; his niece Becky Venissat and nephew David Robbins.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his son Bob Smith, daughter Melanie Turner and his sister Evon (Tommie) Robbins.

Visitation will be held at Hixson Sulphur Memorial Funeral Home in Sulphur, LA, from 4:00pm to 8:00pm on Friday, January 27. Visitation will resume the morning of Saturday, January 28 at 8:30am, with celebration of life services to begin at 10:00am, led by his son-in-law, Larry Wyont. Burial will take place at the Pineland Cemetery in Pineland, TX at 2:30pm.