Donald L. Smith
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Donald L. Smith 88, of Independence, Missouri passed away on June 28th, 2023, with his family by his side. Don had been battling Lewey body Dementia for several years.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Heartland Cremation & Burial Society, (6113 Blue Ridge Blvd. Raytown, MO 64133.) on July 5th, 2023, from 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM. No formal service, just a time to visit with family and friends.
Don was born on January 9th, 1935, to parents Lonnie and Esther Smith in Chetopa, Kansas. Don graduated from Picher Oklahoma High School in 1953. After graduating, Don met his one and only love, Grace Irene Crabtree and married in 1954. He went on to have 4 children with Grace. Don worked in the grocery business during his long career fulfilling the roles as, meat cutter, manager and store operator until he retired in 1997. After retiring, Don was a volunteer for the Independence Police Department (VIPS) for 18 years.
Don was preceded by his daughter Karen Jones and a great-grandson.
Don is survived by his wife of 69 years, Grace Smith, daughter Donna Morales (Danny), son Gary Smith (Criss Womack), son David Smith (Kreg Cox), grand (son) Dustin Edgette (Twila). Don also leaves 11 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren and 9 great-great-grandchildren.
Don was very generous and expressed his love for his family as often as he could. He is remembered for playing catch and taking rides in the trailer attached to the lawnmower with his grandchildren. His other lifelong passions included cars (too many to count) and woodworking.
David and the entire Smith family, please accept our sincere condolences as you say goodbye to your loved one. May all your beautiful memories of him console you through this difficult time. Much love, hugs and prayers.
David—I am just so sad for you and your family. I know how much he meant to you. I pray that God helps you find peace during these difficult times. Love you!
We send love and prayers to your family.
I am so sorry for your loss. I have so many wonderful childhood memories at the family house, 2 doors down from me. After school I would go down and hang out with Donna and Karen. They were great friends. Don and Grace would invite me to stay for dinner sometimes. Loved every minute. David would come to our house and visit with my Mom. He was the youngest of all the kids in the neighborhood and she enjoyed having David over to color and do fun things. I always thought Gary was the spitting image of Don !
Peace and sympathy to a wonderful family in your time of sorrow.
David Smith and all of Donald Smith’s family.
I’m deeply sorry for your loss! Please accept my sincere condolences and prayers for you? I wish all of you Love and strength to get through this difficult time. ?
I have to leave this right here because I couldn’t make it to say goodbye to My Papa.
When I was little I used to help Papa in the barn, and he used to have to change my tires on my bike all the time because I used to be such a tom boy tearing up my bike. It was always fun when he let me sit on his lap and ride the tractor. Every morning I’d come downstairs in the kitchen he would be there, drinking his coffee and having his breakfast before he went off to work on something. He was always a hard working man that had no fear.
I love you Papa and I’m so sorry I missed you. I hope you’ll forgive me.
I will see you one day again.
Your granddaughter,
Jennifer