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Donald Smith Obituary
Donald Lee Smith was born on Feb. 4, 1932 in Thompsonville, Illinois, the first child of Elmer William and Alice Wilhite Smith and died on June 8, 2011 in Chico. He was reared on the family farm until he joined the Marines in 1952, where he spent some time on the U.S.S. Kearsarge and became a sergeant and drill instructor. He was a long-time member of the Elks and Breakfast Exchange Clubs and an avid bowler. He volunteered for S.T.A.R.S. for many years, driving veterans to hospitals in Sacramento and Martinez.
Don was known to be an early riser and a hard worker and spent most of his life in the insurance field, having been the owner of Shasta Cascade Insurance Adjusting Service and a partner in Storey, Stapp, and Smith Insurance in Chico at one time. He was also a private investigator, a private pilot, and notary public. In his later years, he enjoyed the camaraderie of his friends at Kalico Kitchen each day.
Don is survived by two sons, Hayden Lane, of Rocklin, and Derek Neil, of Orangevale; a sister, Phyllis Jean Wells of Aurora, IL; granddaughters, Alexandra and Brittany Smith and Amber Dawn Roesner; nieces, Rhonda Absher-Baker, Rita Michele Absher, and Vicki Lynn Bivens, and nephew Ernest J. Pruett. He was predeceased by his parents; a son, Dennis Keith; two daughters, infant Tracie Dawn and her sister, Leslie Dawn Roesner; his brother, Norman Dean, and a sister, Virginia Marlene Pruett.
Don's friends are invited to remember him in a Celebration of Life gathering at the Coach House Mobile Estates Clubhouse on Friday, June 17, 2011 at 10:00 a.m.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Donald Smith
Uncle Donald, Derek and Hayden
Rhonda Absher-Baker
June 16, 2011
Uncle Donald and Family July 1984 Reunion
Rhonda Absher-Baker
June 16, 2011
June 16, 2011
To my dear brother, Don. I always loved you and even though we weren't able to visit much with us being so far apart, we did talk on the phone every week and those talks were meaningful. I sure do miss you already and know that we won't be talking on the phone anymore but I'll think of you at those "talk times" every week & other times. I'm so glad we got out to visit with you last Oct; I'm so glad you're in a better place and not struggling to breath anymore. My condolences go out to Hayden, Derek and Barbara (my one time sister-in-law who has been such a tremendous help). Thank you for being a good brother. Phyllis Wells, Aurora, IL
Bill Sheridan
June 16, 2011
When my Mom was too old to travel to sign papers, Don would come out and notarize them. He was a very nice man; my condolances to the family.
Vicki Bivens
June 15, 2011
Even though we haven't really keep in touch over the years especially since mom died I will miss you Uncle Donald and loved you very much..I have lots of good memories especially from when I was a little kid. Give my mom a big kiss for me! I am so glad you are not suffering anymore...RIP.
rita michele absher
June 15, 2011
rip uncle donald. i know that you will be truly missed from this earth, but with some of the other family members now.
Rhonda Absher-Baker
June 15, 2011
To Hayden and Derek, I have so many loving memories of your Dad when we were growing up, but my favorites are of the Smith Family Reunion in 1984. We all had such a great time. I'm only sorry I waited so long to come out to California to visit. I will miss him, but he will always be in my heart. I love you both. Your cousin Rhonda.
Jane Smith
June 14, 2011
Don was a very gentle, fun loving person and a great husband. I'm sorry to see him go. I send my love to his family, I think of all of you often.
Jane Smith
June 14, 2011
Don, Good bye from the Breakfast Exchange Club. We will miss your presence at our weekly meetings.
Carl & Your Fellow Exchangeite's
greg lopea
June 14, 2011
i new don personally in pwp for yrs a very nice guy rip don
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