Donald Francis Smith

October 2, 1933 – April 15, 2022

Donald “Don” Francis Smith and most commonly known as Donny, 88, passed away Friday, April 15, 2022. He was born October 2, 1933 in Syracuse, New York to Philomena Ryan Smith and John Francis Smith. He was a graduate of Christian Brothers Academy and a member of the LeMoyne College Class of 1955. It was during his college years when he met the love of his life, Claire Ann Sheedy. Upon graduation, he enlisted in the Army and attended Fort Drum’s basic training before traveling to Stuttgart Germany where he served as a Chaplain’s assistant and mail room clerk. It was during his leave that he flew home to marry Claire and the two returned to Germany together to complete his military service.

After the couple returned to Syracuse, they started a family and Don began his career at American Airlines as a ticket agent. It was a promotion to Reservations Supervisor at the Amon Carter Field that brought the young family to Texas. During Don’s career, he enjoyed working with the Texas Rangers and various other Tarrant county corporations while he was in the Sales & Marketing department, but it was his final role as Manager of Corporate Sales & Events that he would travel frequently with Claire to various domestic and international destinations, including Scottsdale, Las Vegas, and 32 trips to his favorite destination of Hawaii (29 of those trips with Claire). Don retired from American Airlines in 1993 with 39 years of service. In 2016, Don was featured in the American Way magazine for his research and explanation of the origins of the three letter airport codes. In his retirement, Don filled his days volunteering at the C. R. Smith Museum and at his church. He also enjoyed golfing, hunting with his sons, and gambling (especially the slot machines).

Don is survived by his two sons, Mark and his wife Kim of Palm City, FL and Tim and his wife Gloria of Arlington. He was lovingly known as “Donny” by his grandchildren Kaki Smith, Matthew Lee Smith and his wife McKinzie, Madalyn Ann Smith, Christine Smith White and her husband Brad, and Caroline Marie Smith. He is preceded in death by his wife Claire and his parents.

Memorial Gifts

C. R. Smith Museum

4601 Highway 360

Fort Worth, TX 76155

(682) 278-9085

www.crsmithmuseum.org

Pallbearers:

Mark Tompkins

Tracy Rickey

James Werline

Patrick Noonan

Amyn Maloney

Kyle Doskocil

Honorary Pallbearer:

Gene Rondeau

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.moorebowenroad.com for the Smith family.