Donald Francis Smith

SMITH, Donald Francis

The giant oak in our family has fallen.

Donald Francis Smith died November 25, 2024, after more than nine decades on earth. He is predeceased by his wonderful wife of 64 years, Mary Helen, and leaves a lasting legacy of six children, 12 grandchildren and three great-grandsons. Don was extremely proud of his family.

Born in Chicago in 1933, Don relished competition, had a fine intellect, was a superb businessman, a good athlete, and a voracious reader; he loved and cherished America and was a fighter to the end. Don was the first in his family to attend college (Auburn University where he graduated as a Chemical Engineer in 1956), spent 30 years with Kaiser Aluminum & Chemical where he started as a plant engineer in Gramercy, LA, and finished as President of Kaiser acquisition Harshaw/Filtrol. Later, he was the CEO and principal owner of GS Roofing Products. Don lived the American dream, achieving success beyond his and Mary Helen's imagination, but never forgot his humble early life. Don was also fair-minded and charitable: he supported all of his grandchildren with college expenses; funded part of a library at Auburn, and anonymously built a Catholic Church for impoverished Texans he saw attending Mass each Sunday with nothing more than the shade of oak trees for cover after a tornado had destroyed their church.

Don's life was about working to fulfill his potential to the best of his ability, despite the many obstacles he faced. He did that, and more.

He was clear near the end – no need for a funeral or specific ceremony - 'please gather my ashes with your Mother's and find a good place for us to rest in eternal peace together.' That will be our honor, Dad.

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