Don was born March 11, 1939, in Mexico, Missouri, the 4th of 8 children born to Eugene H. and Alta E. Smith. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, one sister, Betty Jean, and one brother, Clinton Earl. 

Don is survived by his wife Sherry Kay Gilley, sisters Nancy Wyss and Janet Carson and bothers Edward Smith (Vada), John Smith (Rhonda), Jim Smith and sister-in-law Carol Smith and countless nieces and nephews.

He was a member of the First Southern Baptist Church of Hutchinson, Kansas. He enlisted in the United States Air Force and served 4 years. He was stationed in the country of Turkey and other places in the United States. After his honorable discharge, he attended San Diego State University with help from the GI Bill and received his bachelor’s degree in civil engineering. After college, he worked with several engineering firms.

Don and his wife Sherry were married February 3, 1967. After retirement, Don and Sherry traveled extensively in their fifth wheel trailer through all the continental United States, including a trip to Alaska, traveling the Alcan Highway. They also volunteered with Campers on Mission to help with repairs at churches around the country and spent time helping refurbish campgrounds. They also helped with disaster relief many times after hurricanes, tornadoes and fires.

Don had several hobbies over the years including flying radio-controlled airplanes, fishing and woodworking.