DR. DONALD L. SMITH

Dr. Donald L Smith, 84, of Deland, Florida, passed away on January 6, 2013. Don was born in Jenks, Oklahoma on June 5, 1928. He graduated from Oklahoma Military Academy in 1946, University of Oklahoma in 1948 and received a Doctor of Osteopathy Degree from the Kansas City College of Osteopathic Medicine and Surgery in 1952 where he received the Psi Sigma Alpha award for the highest scholastic average of his graduating class. He completed his internship at the Teaching Hospital of Osteopathy and Surgery of Kansas City, Missouri and a surgical residency at Flint Osteopathic Hospital (FOH) in Michigan in 1961. In 1965, he completed a Post-doctoral Fellowship in Esophageal Surgery at Kagoshima University in Kagoshima, Japan and was a pioneer in endoscopy procedures. Professionally, he was Chairman of the Dept. of Surgery, FOH; Assistant Program Chairman, Program Chairman and Hospital Inspector for the American Osteopathic Assn. (AOA); Program Chairman and Examiner for Board of Surgeons of AOA.; Vice Chief of Medical Staff, Vice Chief of Depart of Surgery and Dept of Surgery's Tumor Board Committee member for Peninsula Medical Center. Dr. Smith was also a Clinical Assistant Professor of the Dept of Surgery at Nova Southeastern University and preceptor for several medical interns and residents. He also had been actively in the Florida Osteopathic Medical Association, Michigan Assn of Osteopathic Surgeons, American Osteopathic College of Family Practice (Life Member), Volusia County Osteopathic Association. He was an author of numerous articles in professional journals. Dr. Smith practiced Osteopathic Medicine, specializing in surgery in Flint, Michigan. He was owner of Civic Heights Clinic from 1956 until his move to Florida in 1976. From 1982 until 1990 he was owner of The Country Clinic, Barberville, Florida, Don was dedicated to his community. He was passionate about providing quality medical care. Even after retirement, Dr. Smith was concerned about the limited resources for health needs of the community. He was instrumental in the acquisition of a Federally Qualified Health Center (Family Health Source Medical Centers) in Pierson, Florida to provide health care to low income residents. Don was honored by having the building dedicated in his name. He was also instrumental in developing a Volunteer Rescue Service in Astor, Florida where he served as the Past president. He was physician for Taylor High School's football team and served as the Grand Marshall of the Homecoming parade. He was a believer that all people could be successful and was an inspiration to many who pursued accomplished medical careers. Don adored showing Arabian Horses and was owner of Hitching Post Farms garnishing numerous national awards including a National Championship in English Pleasure and Futurity Cutting with his horse Califix. He was past president of the International Arabian Cutting Horse Assn. and was a board member of the Arabian Horse Registry. Don's favorite pastimes include taking care of his yard, camping in his motor home, fishing, farming, managing his cattle operation and spending time with his family. He was a member of First Presbyterian Church of Deland. Don is survived by his wife of 64 years, Phyllis; his 4 children, Philip Lee (Linda) Smith, Dr. Suzanne Smith (Scott) Knoeppel, Dr. D. Kelly Smith and Robin Smith (Scott) Hall; his nine grandchildren, Travis Smith, Dr. John Hance, Donald & Jay Smith, Troy & Dr. Natalie Smith, Alexandra & Erin Knoeppel and Madison Hall; his two great-grandchildren, Kaya and Wyatt; and his sister ,Pricilla Coulson. Visitation will be held at Lankford Funeral Home, Friday, January 11th from 6 until 8 pm. The funeral service will be held at Pierson United Methodist Church, on Saturday, January 12th at 11 am. Reverend Warren Whitmore will be officiating. Burial will follow at the Methodist Cemetery in Pierson, Florida. In honor of Dr. Donald L. Smith, Memorial donations may be made to Warren Baptist Church Swaziland, Africa Children's Ministry at 3203 Washington Road Augusta, GA 30907. Funeral arrangements are being handled by Lankford Funeral Home, DeLand Florida.