Smith, Don

Donald Smith, age 81, of Springfield, passed away on Monday, February 9, 2015 at Memorial Medical Center in Springfield, IL.

He is survived by his wife Joan of Springfield; son, Vince E. (Molly) Smith of Springfield; grandson, Josh of Notre Dame, IN; granddaughters, Emma and Lauren of Springfield; and granddog, Lou. Also survived by brother and sister-in-laws, Don and Nancy O’Neal of Springfield; sisters-in-laws, Pat Scott of Oglesby, IL, Jean Oglesby of Lincoln, IL, Doris O’Neal of Williamsville, IL, and Joye Branca of Hemet, CA; and several cousins, nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews; and two great-great nieces.

He was preceded in death by his parents, aunts, uncles, cousins, brothers-in-law, and a nephew. Don was born, December 12, 1933 in Cantrall, Illinois the son of Alice R. (Wilcoxon) and Clarence E. Smith, Jr.

He married Joan (O’Neal) at St. Paul’s Methodist Church in Decatur, IL on December 15, 1961.

Don graduated from Athens High School in 1951.

He served in the US Army from 1956-58.

Don retired from the State of Illinois Department of Transportation in 1991. He was a member of the Athens United Methodist Church.

Don was a fan of Ford Cars, NASCAR, St. Louis Cardinals, Illini, and Notre Dame sport teams and enjoyed following his grandchildren in their activities.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, February 12, 2015 from 9:00 until time of funeral services at 11:00 AM at Mott & Henning Funeral Home, in Athens, IL.

Pastor Paulette Cott will be officiating.

Burial will be held at Walnut Hill Cemetery near Williamsville.

Memorials gifts can be made to the Athens United Methodist Church.

The family would like to express special thanks to Dr. Srokowski, Chrissy and Cara and the infusion room nurses at the Springfield Clinic and Memorial Medical Center for making it possible to enjoy Don for three more years.