Donald E. Smith

Donald Smith, 91, passed away in Normal IL August 13, 2022 after a short illness. Don was born in 1930 in Davenport, IA to Raymond and Julia Smith and grew up in Rock Falls IL then lived most of his adult life in Morrison IL.

Following graduation from Rock Falls High School, Don served our country in the United States Air Force for four years, stationed in Denver CO, where he taught electronics to other servicemen. With this valuable experience on board, Don was one of the first to be hired by IBM as a field engineer in the early days of their large scale commercial expansion of state of the art computers in the 1950s. He worked for IBM for 30 years during which he constantly advanced as technology progressed from computers that took entire rooms to house to the compact, much faster and complex modern versions. After leaving IBM, he remained in the industry until his retirement.

Throughout his life, Don was known for his athleticism and sense of humor, often being the life of the party. He played multiple sports in high school and into middle age and beyond, holding the record time for the mile run at Rock Falls High School for several years. Baseball, basketball, football, athletics, bowling and golf were all played with skill by Don. As a spectator, over the years he was an avid supporter of the Chicago White Sox and the University of Illinois basketball team.

Don could turn his hand to many other crafts as well, most notably wood working – small pieces of furniture to wood carving – and his development of a subdivision of houses, some of which he built himself.

Don was a member of the United Methodist Church in Morrison IL.

Surviving are Don’s children – Pat (Geoff), Linda (Scott), Barb and Jim (Dean) – and grandchildren – Lauren and Mitchell (Kelsey).

Cremation rites have been accorded with East Lawn Funeral Home, Bloomington. A private family graveside service will be held and a Celebration of Life is planned for a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or Transitions Hospice.

Condolences and memories may be left with the family at eastlawnmemorial.com.