SPARTA- Donald L. Smith, age 84, went home to the Lord on November 14, 2013 in Newton, NJ with his loving family by his side. Donald was born in Wilkes-Barre, PA to Emery T. and Viola Smith. He has resided for the past 36 years in Sparta. Donald served his country proudly in the US Army from 1946-49. He attended Purdue University earning his Bachelors, Masters and Ph.D. degrees in Mechanical Engineering . He was granted a fellowship in engineering research from Standard Oil, working for the company after earning his Ph.D. Through the years, he was employed by Magnavox, Collins Radio and Rockwell Industries. Donald was employed for 29 years as a mechanical engineer for the US Department of Defense, serving the Rock Island Arsenal, later transferring to Picatinny Arsenal where he retired in 1994. Don was a member of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers for 60 years. He was a very active member of the Sparta United Methodist Church where he served on the Board of Trustees, Missions Committee and as the Church Treasurer. He was generous with his time, volunteering in the Sparta United Methodist Church Mouse Thrift Shop and as a former Boy Scout Leader.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 59 years, Wilma (Howard) Smith, a son, Steven J. Smith and his wife Gretchen Sundstrom-Smith of Budd Lake, NJ, daughter Linda M. Cappaert and her husband Richard of St. Louis, MO and his sister, Margaret Gaylord, Binghamton, NY and a sister–in-law Wanda Wanck, Endicott, NY, six Grandchildren: Andrew, Cassandra, Karlee and Arianna Sundstrom-Smith, and Elyssa and Rebecca Cappaert. He was predeceased by his brother, Thomas, sister Eleanor Ritter, and grandson, Henry T. Cappaert. Family and friends are invited Monday, November 18, 5-8 pm to Goble Funeral Home 22 Main Street, Sparta, NJ 07871 with a 7pm service. A Celebration of Life service for Donald will be held on December 22, 2 pm at the Sparta United Methodist Church. Contributions can be made to the Sparta United Methodist Church Memorial Fund, 71 Sparta Avenue, Sparta, NJ 07871 or to the American Cancer Society in memory of Donald L. Smith.
He will be missed by his loving family, nieces, nephews and many friends.
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