Smith, Don
d. February 9, 2015
Donald Smith, age 81, of Springfield, passed away on Monday, February 9, 2015 at Memorial Medical Center in Springfield, IL.
He is survived by his wife Joan of Springfield; son, Vince E. (Molly) Smith of Springfield; grandson, Josh of Notre Dame, IN; granddaughters, Emma and Lauren of Springfield; and granddog, Lou. Also survived by brother and sister-in-laws, Don and Nancy O’Neal of Springfield; sisters-in-laws, Pat Scott of Oglesby, IL, Jean Oglesby of Lincoln, IL, Doris O’Neal of Williamsville, IL, and Joye Branca of Hemet, CA; and several cousins, nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews; and two great-great nieces.
He was preceded in death by his parents, aunts, uncles, cousins, brothers-in-law, and a nephew. Don was born, December 12, 1933 in Cantrall, Illinois the son of Alice R. (Wilcoxon) and Clarence E. Smith, Jr.
He married Joan (O’Neal) at St. Paul’s Methodist Church in Decatur, IL on December 15, 1961.
Don graduated from Athens High School in 1951.
He served in the US Army from 1956-58.
Don retired from the State of Illinois Department of Transportation in 1991. He was a member of the Athens United Methodist Church.
Don was a fan of Ford Cars, NASCAR, St. Louis Cardinals, Illini, and Notre Dame sport teams and enjoyed following his grandchildren in their activities.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, February 12, 2015 from 9:00 until time of funeral services at 11:00 AM at Mott & Henning Funeral Home, in Athens, IL.
Pastor Paulette Cott will be officiating.
Burial will be held at Walnut Hill Cemetery near Williamsville.
Memorials gifts can be made to the Athens United Methodist Church.
The family would like to express special thanks to Dr. Srokowski, Chrissy and Cara and the infusion room nurses at the Springfield Clinic and Memorial Medical Center for making it possible to enjoy Don for three more years.
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Posted February 9th, 2015 at 10:17 pm
Joan and family– You have my love at this time of sorrow. I always enjoyed visiting with Don. He was truly a great person and was so easy to talk to. I wish I was closer so that I could be with you. God bless all of you. Love, Norman
Posted February 9th, 2015 at 10:38 pm
Joan, Vince and Family, I was so sad to hear the news about Don. Such memories I have of him, His smirk/smile that always had me wondering if he was teasing me or being serious. Normally teasing me. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. Heaven is getting another sweet Angel to watch over all of you.
love, Michele
Posted February 12th, 2015 at 7:24 am
Joan and Family. I just learned of Don’s passing and am so sorry for your loss. Don was a wonderful person, as were his Mom & Dad. I have fond memories of the times we all shared. I can’t attend the services and wish I could be there. Thanks for your understanding and God bless you all. Norm
Posted February 12th, 2015 at 8:45 am
To Joan and Vince, So sorry to hear of Don’s passing. When growing up, he was the “old” cousin, the pathfinder. He always seemed quiet and strong, and an all around good guy. Since the services are starting now as I find out about this, I can’t make it. But know that you’re in our thoughts. Jay
Posted February 12th, 2015 at 9:31 am
To Joan and all of Don’s family: Sorry to hear about Don. I only saw him a few times over the intervening years, but always remember that when I was about 8 or 9, he was the older, cool cousin. Which he always was. Sad to lose a terrific guy. Marty.