When I think about Don, while growing up…when we were young…
The most memorable times were the family vacations Mom and Don would take us on during Cat vacation. We would load up with pop-up camper in tow and get in the conversion van. They took us across country to take us to National Parks and visiting family out west, to Florida and Disney.
They instilled an adventurous spirit in all of us.
Don was always teaching us...
On those trips I was frequently the co-pilot where Don taught me how to navigate from a map. My job was to follow the highways and tell him which exits to turn. I was also in charge of finding the KOA campgrounds. When we got lucky, we located a Yogi Bear Jellystone campgrounds with a pool.
As I got older, I was rebellious and wanted to party and leave the house on NYE at the age of 14, Don created a fun night at home to keep me safe. We had drinks and he taught me how to play Yeuker.
When it was time to get my driver's license, there he was training me on how to change a tire and check my oil before he gave me those keys.
In HS Don bought Tammy and I, a cherry red Grand Torino, black leather seats, black rag top, v8 engine, and made of steel! Man, I wish I still had that…
When it was time to go to college he wore my MMCI SON sweatshirt with pride.
When it was time to have a family of my own, he watched over them like he had watched over all of us kids.
When it was time to leave after a visit to Mom & Dons, he would be standing at the end of the driveway keeping the conversation going, reluctant to say goodbye, he liked long goodbyes.
When hard times came, he was there doing whatever needed to be done.
He wasn’t the kind of guy to say I told you so…he wasn’t judgmental,
He was always there providing and helping, wherever there was need..with his big ole smile.
He was a great father to me…we had our challenges as a family, but the good times by far outweigh the difficulties.
Thank you, Matthew & Penny, for sharing him with Tammy, Bryan and I.
He was a hard worker…too hard of a worker. He worked so hard that when he retired, he had run out of steam.
Mom & Don’s retirement fun got cut short by the onset of Dementia.
It really hit me on a visit Mom & Don made to CO to visit our family.
Don woke up before everyone else, Ted woke up next and found Don wandering around the living room, Don said to him, “Boy, am I glad to see you! I didn’t know where I was!”
Don slipped away bit by bit, and we said goodbye little by little, but that doesn’t make his passing any less painful. It was a long goodbye. Mom took very good care of him for as long as she could.
It hits so hard when you lose a parent…
His hard-working hands and very big heart are at rest now. He was "the" man, and he will be missed.

RIP Donald L Smith
I love you
Your daughter
Stephanie


Dear Dad, 

Where does one begin?  I’m not sure.  There are so many things that come to mind, but none will serve you justice.  The first thing I have to say is “I love you”.  That doesn’t seem to fully express how I feel, but it is the foundation of it all…
You made a lasting impression on me, your children, grandchildren, family, and friends.  If this world measured success by care, generosity, support, love, help, protection, provision, and a multitude of other attributes, you be the poster child of success.
I should start at the beginning.  From the get-go, you were a loving, providing, and protective father.  You taught me at an early age to help others, care for those in need, and expect nothing in return.  You set the example.  Many lessons you taught me as a young child seemed to be harsh.  I now understand that you were only trying to teach me because you loved me; you were protecting me by telling me what I needed to hear.  It was hard to understand at the time, but I now see your fingerprints throughout my entire life as I reflect... cont
I am so grateful for the times that we had as a family.  Vacations, cookouts, holiday gatherings, hanging out with Uncle Mike and Aunt Betty, swimming at Uncle Les’ pool...  Having the opportunity to watch you love and spend time with your grandchildren; playing catch in the yard with the “patented” underhand football toss; the kid’s red electric Jeep rolling all over the yard, street and sidewalk!  You always took the time to clean off the driveway and sidewalk, so everyone stayed out of harm’s way.  So many moments…
I’m grateful for my time with you from middle school and high school football games; dad’s weekend at college; all to way up to my graduation and beyond.  I wish I could go back and appreciate the process and stop along the way not focusing so much on the destination.  I wish I had five more minutes with you.  What would I say?  How could I sum up everything?  I don’t think I could.  Your mark on me is truly priceless.
I don’t recall ever asking for help and you not responding immediately.  You always made time when I needed it most.  You were always determined to do whatever you could.  Dad, you taught me so much by taking me with you for family visits, experiencing life, discovering, empowering, and guiding me through my mistakes.  Sometimes those mistakes were tough.  I often tried your patience, but you always kept me on point and helped me get through it all in every way you could.    For that, I am so very grateful.  You showed me what it means to work with your hands; how to build; how to wire; how to fix; how to invent, whether it was remodeling, rebuilding or helping someone else with their home.  You taught me more than I could have ever imagined; you taught me to provide for my family; to make sure their needs were met; to worry, so they didn’t need to worry; you taught me that sometimes you do what you have to do even though it isn’t what you want because others need you, even if they don’t realize it.
I prayed with you after everyone left on Friday.  It was hard to say goodbye.  I know that you are in the presence of the Living God.  I will see you again!  I prayed for two things that day; that you would say “hello” to our family and that you would “drive careful” because there was “precious cargo” on its way. 
I will miss you every single day; every moment that I am with Jradon; every time we pick up one of the hundreds of tools from your toolbox.  We will think of you, and you’ll be there in our hearts.  I will carry you with me for the rest of my days.  Thank you, dad, for everything!  I love you and miss you so much.

Your son,

Matthew


Don was one of the sweetest people I’ve had the honor to know.  When I became friends with his daughter, Tammy, he welcomed me like a family member.  Don would always greet me with a hug and would always tell me to drive safe. Most recently, he would tell me to drive safe and I’d remind him that I was just walking home, close by. He would the say, “Well then, walk safe.” Don was a gem and will never be forgotten.

The Bluebird
I have many wonderful memories of Don, but I wish to share the most recent and profound. My kitty, Jada, and I were watching the sunset reflecting on the day’s events when suddenly a bluebird appeared and flew into my bobble tree. I thought to myself, “Well, this is significant”. I asked that he show himself again as a sign. I studied the tree in anticipation. A few seconds later, he flew out towards the beautiful sunset sky.
In my 53 years, I have never seen a bluebird in Illinois. Mom and I decided to research what a blue bird signifies, and this is what we found. “Bluebirds can have many positive meanings and associates, and some people believe they can be a sign from a loved one who has passed away. Bluebirds can represent a connection between the living and the dead, or that they are messengers from heaven.”
Don, your message was received! He has reaped his rewards from God, and he is now embraced with our loving family and friends in heaven. I love you, and I’ll miss you! Thank you for all you have done for us. You
will live in our hearts until we meet again.

Love, Tammy


Uncle Don was a second dad to me. He was a part of my life as far back as I can remember. From building my childhood home, to becoming my uncle!! 
 He was always there to help me when I needed it. And was the best Mr Fix it! Guaranteed it was always done perfect! 
I loved how he always greeted us with a hug, and always told us girls how pretty we were! Even up until one of the last times I saw him. I will forever miss hearing “drive safe” as we got in our cars and would watch as we drove away.  
He was a constant in my life, and I will miss and love him forever!

Don's sense of humor, generosity, and always positive attitude was a blessing to all of us.  He and I worked next to each other at Caterpillar for 40 years.  We especially loved all our family holiday celebrations.  He will forever be remembered and deeply missed.  Our heartfelt condolences.  Love, Charles & Jennifer

Watching my Grandpa soften with age was always my favorite thing to see when I came back home to visit. I hope I can always recall and picture him outstretching his arms wide, slouching back and shuffling his feet to come in for a hug. Saying ‘I lurrrrrvvvv you’ in his goofiest voice while he planted a scruffy mustache kiss on my cheek. As the twinkle in his eyes started dimming over the last few years, it was so bittersweet when they would shine again anytime he would recite one of his famous taglines. His favorite thing to do, walking into a room and saying ‘what the helllllllls goin on in here??’ when he always clearly knew what the hell was goin on in there. I hope there is a place we all go after this life, and I hope him and my Great Grandma Cyenne are there, giving each other hell again. We all know they both secretly loved it, but would never admit it. Thank you for being my grandpa by choice, and never making it feel that way. Rest easy, Donald Lee Smith.
I love you
Archer Lee Squire

I remember Don & his siblings from when they lived on the corner of Broadway & North 18th street.  A great family. Every house on 18th had one or more grade school kid...we had a ball playing together! 
Sounds like he grew up to be a great family man & friend. No surprise. GOD bless your family as you grieve his loss

Pam and family 
        Aimee and I are deeply saddened by the passing of Don , so many memories, he was truly a good friend , I met Don in 1979 when I was asked to bowl with brass foundry team , we will be praying for you all. Ed & Aimee

sorry to here about Don knew him & family most of my life he was a good guy

Don was such a caring and kind man. He was always smiling and never left without giving 
hugs!

OBITUARY

Donald Lee Smith

May 22, 1944 – August 2, 2024

Preston-Hanley Funeral Home & Crematory

Show your support

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Reminders

Services