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DONALD SMITH Obituary

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.

Published by Daytona Beach News-Journal from Jan. 8 to Jan. 9, 2013.
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Memories and Condolences
for DONALD SMITH

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There will never be another that can compare to Dr. Smith. He cared and took care of his patients and was loved by so many. I missed him the other day when my back was out and thought how easy it was for him to fix it. Such a treasure. Such a great small town doctor that was like family to so many. Always missed but never forgotten. Part of our lives and our history.

Terri Hanna

Friend

January 2, 2020

Dear Mrs Smith and family,
Please accept my heartfelt condolences at the passing your husband and father. From 1975-79 I was a resident surgeon at FOH and he was one of my mentors. The time spent together was not only valuable from the surgical resident-mentor perspective but also from a personal perspective which really defined his philosophy of life and consequently his attitudes and goals.
His surgical skills were to say the least awe-inspiring and well complemented by his people and business skills. His optimism, everpresent smile and can do attitude was an inspiration for this young surgeon. Many thanks!
He will never be forgotten.
Sincerely
Tony Fabaz

Anthony Fabaz D.O.

February 3, 2013

I miss you, Dad!

Suzanne Knoeppel

February 2, 2013

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February 2, 2013

Thanks for the memories!

FOH

February 1, 2013

I worked with Dr. Smith at PMC, he will be missed.

Virginia DeMichele, RN

January 27, 2013

The LeBreux family will always remember Dr. Smith for his caring and healing. As a little kid I can remember a picture on the wall at the clinic, there is a doctor attending a sick man and next to the bed was Jesus healing the sick. I believe Dr. Smith was doing the will of God in healing. Rest now my friend you are in Jesus care now.

Daniel LeBreux

January 13, 2013

Dr.Smith you will be greatly missed.May God Bless you and your family

Cindy Marquez

January 11, 2013

Dr. Smith had a way of making everyone feel better just by knowing he loved them. His smile, gentle spirit, and laughter will be dearly missed by all. Our prayers are with the Smith family during this time.

Hunter & Tammy Hall

January 11, 2013

sending our love and prayers to Robin and her family-

cindy mcdonald

January 11, 2013

The Harnage family will never forget everything he did for us all, at some time or another. From coming to the house in the middle of the night to get a fishing hook out of Darrell's hand to saving Anna's life more than once, he never said he couldn't help. RIP Dr. Smith

January 10, 2013

What a wonderful person I am happy to have had the pleasure of knowing. My thoughts and prayers are with Phyliss and the whole family. He was a wonderful person and great man. God Bless you all.

Terri Hanna

January 10, 2013

I am forever grateful for the time spent working and learning at the clinic on 40. You are in my thoughts and prayers,

Ann Wood

January 10, 2013

Memories will always be there and he will be in our hearts. Fun shows at Hitching Post, State Fairs, Arab Shows, pool parties on the 4th, physician, and friend.

Sue & Dick Marr

January 10, 2013

All your friends and co-workers at ATG Communications send our prayers and condolences. We pray the love of God enfolds you during your difficult times and He helps you heal with the passage of time.

January 9, 2013

Our hearts & prayers go out to Mrs. Smith & all of your family. We are saddened to hear of their loss. May you find peace & rest in the arms of the angels.

Joey & Missy (Hall) Prince

January 8, 2013

A great mentor and father-in-law for my son.

Josephine Hall-Blackwell

January 8, 2013

You will always be remembered in our family for your many accomplishments in your life and the way you gave of you time and caring for others. You will be missed by all the people you have touched in your life.

Clark and Keefer Families

January 8, 2013

Your ever loving and devotions to helping and giving in not only the community but in friendship will always be remembered.

Robbie and Suzanne Peterson

January 8, 2013

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220 E. New York Ave., Deland, FL 32724

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