Donald Albert Smith, 93, of Poplar Bluff, Mo., died Monday, Feb. 26, 2018, at Westwood Hills Care Center in Poplar Bluff, Mo.
He was born June 2, 1924, in Painesville, Ohio, to the late Emma Hill Curtiss and George William Smith. He was a late-life gift for the Smith Family as Emma was 42 when Don was born. The Smiths lived in town on Chestnut Street, and Don's father was a local carpenter. Don was the youngest of the six Smith children who all have preceded him in death. George William Smith, Jr., John Smith, Henry Smith, Emma Smith, and Mary Smith.
Don had a natural talent for mechanics and electronics. He assisted his father in his carpentry plus did a variety of jobs for neighbors and local business. Shortly after turning seventeen, Don enlisted in the U.S. Navy where he would spend the next six years. His talent and experience with mechanics recognized, the Navy sent him to Aviation Machinist Trade School, where he received awards for his high marks, and to the Navy Air Technical Training Center for aircraft engines.
The "naval defense of the Panama Canal, the focal point of US communications between the two oceans and South America during WWII," was centered in advanced bases in Nicaragua and on the Galapagos Islands. Squadrons of seaplanes patrolled a wide area day and night--Donald Smith was one of the aircraft mechanics stationed there for his duration of service. Donald A. Smith, Aviation Machinist's Mate First Class, was honorably discharged on June 24, 1947.
While on leave in Florida, Don met Genell Culpeper, who he married on June 28, 1947 in Painsville. They had three children, Donald Edward, Robert Lee, and Cynthia Ann. Don worked at Diamond Alkali Company in Fairport Harbor, Ohio, and then as a machinist for True Temper Tool Company in Geneva, Ohio. Saving their money, they bought a farm, and raised 26 acres of apples and 26 acres of grapes. They divorced in 1960.
Don got his journeyman's license through the Diamond Alkali Company in 1951 and in 1954 continued his education through the International Correspondence School. He received his High School Equivalence in Missouri in 1983.
Moving to Phoenix, Ariz. in 1959, Don worked as a machinist. He met Esther Manz, and they were married on May 15, 1964. She preceded him in death in 1989 from complications due to leukemia. They had one daughter, Bonnie Kay. They moved to Missouri shortly after their marriage and bought a small farm in Williamsville, Mo., on Otter Creek Road. They attended Cool Springs Missionary Baptist Church.
Don worked for Ted Fisher when Fisher started his machine shop, Southern Tool, in his own garage. He continued to work for Southern Machine Tool Company until 1977. In 1972, he sold the farm to Leroy Foster, and the family moved to Poplar Bluff, Mo. In 1977, Don bought the old Live Oak Schoolhouse on County Road 608 turning it into Live Oak Machine Shop, which he operated until 2013. He did contract work and custom design work. He was on-call for on-site repairs for local farmers and factories. If a part wasn't working properly, often Don designed one that would! He was always curious about how things worked. He would buy a machine just to take it apart to see how it worked, and then see if he could improve on it. He took classes in 1983 in video/audio servicing and color television servicing, bought a kit, and built a television just for fun. He was a very successful machinist and a talented inventor after closing time.
A devoted and faithful member of Westwood Baptist Church, after Esther's death, Don relied on God's grace, the church's support, and the love of his family. He continued to operate Live Oak Machine along with the assistance of his son, Robert, who had returned to the Poplar Bluff area to practice law.
Six years later, Don met Doris Vineyard, and they married on May 12, 1995. She survives.
Don leaves four children, one adopted daughter and four stepchildren, respectively: Donald Smith of San Mateo, Calif., Robert Smith (Dianne) of Poplar Bluff, Cynthia Samford of Lake City, Fla.; and Bonnie Bayard (Gary) of Placerville, Calif.; adopted daughter, Hazel Smith, granddaughter of Doris Smith; and stepchildren, Julie Kearbey (Jeramie) of Poplar Bluff; Karen Ervin (Larry) of Corning, Ark.; Bobby Conner (Jewell) of Advance, Mo.; and Robert Armes of Farmington, Mo.
He has 13 grandchildren: Zachary Smith, Donald Smith, Jacob Smith, Andrew Smith, Morgan Bayard, Devin Bayard, Allison Bayard, Yolanda Buckles, Jacob Samford, Dustin Hutchings, Donald Hutchings, Cecily Maberry, and Tray Smith (deceased). He has nine great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild. He has nine step-grandchildren.
Don enjoyed everyday pleasures shared with close friends and family. Most mornings he could be found enjoying a cup of coffee and a cherry turnover at The Donut House or a breakfast at Hardees. He was an avid bowler. When they lived in Phoenix, "He bowled on two or three leagues. It felt like he was bowling every night, and most nights he took Donald and I with him whether we wanted to go or not. I don't think I ever liked bowling," said his son, Robert Smith. He might claim to be too tired to do anything, but if the thing turned out to be a bowling night--he was there! He couldn't say no to a game of Uno or Skip Bo either.
Don was very interested in birds, especially eagles, and spent many hours studying and enjoying them.
One of Don's favorite stories was of taking the children to Isaly's Ice Cream Parlor in Ashtabula, Ohio, to get ice cream when Robert was about three years old. It was always a special treat for everyone involved, and that day Robert had wanted a banana split. "He ate the first banana split which was almost more than I could eat right down. I jokingly asked him if he felt like he wanted another one. To my surprise, he shook his head yes. I ordered it knowing he wouldn't be able to eat all of it, but, you know, he ate every bit of it."
When Westwood Baptist bought the former racquetball club, he took up the sport until the building was converted to classrooms. He enjoyed playing before the workday began around 4 or 5 a.m. It was hard to find partners for that time slot. Once his daughter-in-law, Dianne, agreed to play him, but she warned him she wasn't very good and would need some instruction. He replied, "I don't want to teach you; I just want to beat you."
Donald Albert Smith will be missed by all.
Visitation will be Sunday, March 4 from 2 - 4 p.m. at Cotrell Funeral Chapel. The funeral service will be a Noon on Monday, March 5, at Westwood Baptist Church on Highway 67 North. The interment will be private - for family only.
Cotrell Funeral Service of Poplar Bluff, Missouri is honored to serve the family of Donald Albert Smith; please visit www.cotrellfuneralservice.com to share memories or to leave a condolence message.
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