Jerry Don Smith

Jerry Don Smith, formerly a resident of San Angelo, passed from this life on Thursday, January 10, 2013 at his home in Arlington, after a lengthy illness with COPD. His loving family surrounded him. Jerry Don was born on April 30, 1941 to George and Juanita Smith who lived in Menard. He grew up in Menard, with the serendipity of living in a small town, where everyone nurtures and encourages their native sons. He attended Menard schools and graduated from Menard High School in 1959. He attended San Angelo College before transferring to Texas Tech. He married Elizabeth Yates on June 30, 1962 in Menard.

He attended First Baptist Church, in Menard as a child, and First Presbyterian Church in San Angelo. One important way Jerry Don practiced his Christianity was through his involvement with Alcoholics Anonymous where he counseled and befriended many people, while respecting their dignity and anonymity. He was President of the Athletic Booster Club for the San Angelo Bobcats. He loved football, especially college football, but his real love was for the half-time band performances.

Jerry Don is survived by his wife of 50 years, Elizabeth Yates Smith, his children, Whitney Schkade and her husband Jeff, of Mansfield, Jennifer Paul of Mansfield, and Jaden Smith of Arlington. He had four grandchildren that he adored; Wilson and Parker Schkade, and Elizabeth and Katherine Paul. He attended all their sporting events and school activities, spent quality time with each of them. Not all grandchildren are so fortunate to have a “Papa” that devoted his time and love to them. They loved to listen to his stories, and receive his special attention.

He is also survived by one brother Bill Smith and his wife Sandy of San Angelo, nephew and niece, George William and Missy; sister-in-law Jo Lynne Harwell and husband James Edward; also Elizabeth’s nephews and nieces Jimmy and Johnny, Quinyan, Chevelle, and DeQuincy; and two very close friends, Katherine Allison King, and Lauren Pettigrew; many friends, and several other relatives. He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Juanita Smith, grandparents, and an infant sister, Sarah Elizabeth Smith.

Celebration of Jerry Don’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, January 14 at First Presbyterian Church in San Angelo, with burial at Rest Haven Cemetery in Menard at 2:00 p.m. Rev Bill Proctor, and (retired) Rev. Grosse Mohler will officiate. Pallbearers will be Rick Mohler, Wade Ellis, Randy Parrish, Bill Royal, Roddy Roberts, Don Larrimore, Jerry Don Balch, David Jenkins, Orville Paty, and Jimmy Decker.

Jerry Don was blessed with the gifts of a great personality, the ability to make people laugh, and to make people feel special. He began selling ladies shoes when he was in college, starting at Hemphill Wells in San Angelo. This grew into a successful career. Many West Texas ladies have had the privilege of buying their shoes from Jerry Don, while making a life-long friend at the same time. He was co-owner with Lanelle Allison of Jabbo’s shoe store in Stadium Park at one time. He also worked at Barnes, Gabriels, The Bootery, as well as stores in Midland and Lubbock. He became close friends with Stanley Eisenman and after moving to the Metroplex was a top salesman for Stanly Eisenman Fine Shoes in Fort Worth. Along with many new friends, many of his West Texas customers continued to buy their shoes from Jerry Don. He was more than everyone’s favorite shoe salesman, he was their friend, knew their families, relatives, and businesses, and always remembered your shoe size and the style you liked.

We are all so fortunate that Jerry Don came into our lives. Rest in Peace, good friend.