DONALD SMATHERS

Donald L. Smathers

Donald L. Smathers, age 81, of Wilmington, DE, passed away on July 21, 2009 after a short illness.

A native of California, Dr. Smathers moved to Delaware to join the Dupont Company after serving in the U.S. Navy and after earning an undergraduate degree from Cal Tech and a doctoral degree in organic chemistry from UCLA. Dr. Smathers was a man of many interests, including travel, birding, sailing, piano, carpentry work, ping pong, cooking, poker and chess which he enjoyed sharing with his family. He had a passion and zest for life. He loved taking on a challenge.

Dr. Smathers is survived by his wife of 34 years, Rita McWhorter; his brother, Karl Sandstrom; his children, Scott (Karen) Smathers and Carla (Jack) Markell, as well as five stepchildren, Karen Wilhelm, Diane McWhorter, Laura Cummings, Paula McWhorter and John McWhorter; 12 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren. He left his family and friends with these words. "Death is but a door through which love and memories flow up to and through for as long as anyone loves and remembers."

The family sincerely thanks the wonderful staff at Christiana Care and the hospice staff of Compassionate Care.

Funeral services will be private.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions be made to Goodwill, 300 East Lea Blvd. Wilm. DE 19802, the Sunday Breakfast Mission P.O. Box 352, Wilm. DE 19899, or the Ashland Nature Center P.O. Box 700 Hockessin, DE 19707.

Arrangements by

CREMATION SERVICE

OF DELAWARE