Donald L. Smith

1937 - 2021

Smith, Donald L.
1937 - 2021
Donald Leslie "Don" Smith, 84, of Gahanna, Ohio, passed away on July 24, 2021, at his home surrounded by his children. He was born in Nelsonville, Ohio, May 15, 1937, the son of Donald Edgar and Mary Elizabeth Smith who preceded him in death along with his brother James. Don graduated from Linden McKinley High School in 1955. He served in the Ohio Army National Guard Medical Battalion. He retired from DHL, earning Employee of the Year in 2000. Don was a lifelong Ohio State Buckeyes and Cleveland Browns fan and loved following the teams. Don is survived by his children, Holly (Will) Waidelich, Leslie (Bill) Ruth, Donald A. Smith, David (Stephanie) Smith; grandchildren, Elizabeth (Tom) Casasanta, Katherine (Brandon) Brush, Caroline (Jacob) Brush, Abigail (Charlie) Waidelich, Christopher Waidelich, Alex Ruth, Natalie Ruth, Conner Ruth, Travis Smith, Trinity Smith, Donald J. Smith, and Carla Smith; great-grandchildren, Jayce and Benjamin Casasanta, William, Joanna, Lydia, and Andrew Brush; sister, Elizabeth (Buddy) Boals; brother, David (Debbie) Smith; many dear cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends. Don loved his family and the outdoors. He loved attending grandchildrens birthday parties, milestone achievements, beach vacations with his entire family, holidays and celebrations, athletic games and school activities; camping, fishing, creeking, hiking, and gardening with his family; the Old Mans Cave Winter Hike and Burr Oak State Park were favorites. He was a Highbanks Metro Park volunteer for many years. Don never met a stranger and loved shooting the breeze. His heart was full of childhood memories in Nelsonville with family and friends, as well as fishing trips and camping with those folks later in life with their growing families. Don was a kind soul, was proud of his family, and was nice to everyone. A Celebration of Life Open House will be August 7, 2021, 4-8 pm at Friendship Park, 150 Oklahoma Ave, Gahanna, Ohio. Don loved a good cookout, so hot dogs and fixings will be served. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Ross Heart Hospital Fund #317161 (giveto.osu.edu) or Capital City Hospice (capitalcityhospice.com/donate). To share memories or condolences, please visit morelandfuneralhome.com.