Donnie E. Smith

Donnie E. Smith, 69, of York, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, at York South Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. He was the devoted husband of Michele V. (Wood) Smith, with whom he shared more than 40 years of loving marriage.

Born August 7, 1956, in Newville, Pennsylvania, he was the son of the late Lester Edward and Dorothy Marie (Thrush) Smith.

Donnie was raised in Newville and was a proud graduate of Big Spring High School, Class of 1974. Following high school, he built a long and respected career in the automotive industry, serving as a parts counterman for several major dealerships, including Gene Latta and Hanover Dodge, before retiring in 2020.

In his free time, Donnie enjoyed collecting baseball cards and was a loyal fan of the Philadelphia Eagles, the Philadelphia Phillies, and NASCAR racing. He especially treasured time spent horseback riding with his granddaughters - moments that brought him great joy. Donnie loved his family above all else and cherished time shared with both relatives and friends. Known for his generosity and willingness to help others, he lived by the simple motto, "All you have to do is ask." He was known for his warm smile, great sense of humor, and steady presence - lighthearted when he could be and serious when needed. He will be remembered as a loving husband, father, and grandfather who will be deeply missed.

Mr. Smith is survived by his children: Melanie Smith and her husband Charles of Uniontown; Mandy Lugo and her husband Saul of Hammond, Indiana; and Matthew Smith and his wife Jennifer of New Oxford; his grandchildren, Shanya Foster and her husband David, Taylor Cooley and her companion Charlie Hardway, Kaitlyn Smith, Carly Smith, Marshall Smith, and Harper Smith; his great-grandchildren, Nova, Lucian, and Genesis; his siblings, Jean Mooney, Larry E. Smith, and Paul E. Smith; along with many other loving extended family members and dear friends.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his siblings, Patsy Graham, Charles Smith, and Ronald Smith.

There will be no public viewing. A graveside service to celebrate Donnie's life will be held at 11:00 AM on Monday, February 16, 2026, at Rest Haven Cemetery, at the intersection of Westminster and Boundary Avenues in Hanover. Pallbearers will be Matthew Smith, Larry Smith, Charles Smith, Saul Lugo, Chad Reiker, and Andy Reiker.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS). Checks should be made payable to "Blood Cancer United" and mailed to PO Box 22324, New York, NY 10087.

To share memories and condolences, please visit www.wetzelfuneralhome.com.