Donald “Don” Anderson Smith, 91, passed away on July 22nd, 2024. He was a resident of Holiday, Florida, and previously a longtime resident of Indiana.
Don was born on August 5th, 1932, on the back porch in Quincy, Indiana, to John Smith and Beatrice (Terry) Smith. He married Carolyn Smith December 17, 1989. She lovingly survives.
Other survivors include his sons, Donald “Chip” Smith, II and Mike Smith (Connie); grandchildren, Heather Mitchell (Todd), Brooke Miller (Scott), Ashley Cook (Andy), Megan Manente (Nick), Kyle Morris (Katherine), Tyler Smith (Leon Aledo), Cody Smith, and Allyson Gant (Cody); 14 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great grandson; sisters, Dorothy Jones, Marjorie Jordan, Norma McCormick, Judy Evans (Steve); and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in passing by his parents; daughters, Robin Chervenko and Terri Boor; grandson, Christopher Pell; step-daughter, Melody Candelario; sister, Shirley Lahrman.
He was a 1950 graduate of Quincy High School. He was of only 2 left from his graduating class of 11.
Don was an United States Air Force Veteran serving from 1953 until 1957. He was a Staff Sergeant and served as a Crew Chief for a B36 Bomber. He went on to serve 1 year in the Reserves; 3 years in the National Guard; and 2 years in the Army National Guard.
Don worked various jobs during his lifetime. While raising his children, he worked two jobs making ends meet; during the day doing concrete work and working at Inland Container Company 2nd shift. He owned 3 and 1/2 laundromats where he maintained the washers and dryers. He worked in construction in Brown County, Indiana and later worked for the Indiana DNR at Brown County State Park and McCormick’s Creek State Park for several years. At McCormick’s Creek State Park he maintained 50 acres and kept 200 ricks of wood cut every week. Following his move to Florida, he began mowing over 90 lawns in his trailer community and maintaining the clubhouse for the community. He spent “retirement” buying homes and remodeling them.
Don grew up in the Quincy Baptist Church where he was baptized at the age of 13. After a fire hit the church, Don, his dad, and a neighbor rebuilt Quincy Baptist Church. Don remained very active in his church communities. He often sang during church services.
Don enjoyed participating in car shows and parades with his 1964 Corvair truck and has many awards and trophies to show for it.
He enjoyed playing pool and cards with his friends in Florida. In his spare time, he made quilts and did cross stitching, dedicating countless hours to each project he made.
Don was known for making his homemade ice cream at every family function, John Deere tractors and mowers, and his excellent story telling.
Don was active with his grandkids: fishing, riding go carts, and even jumping on the trampoline well into his 70’s and 80’s.
He remained active until the very end of his life. He will be missed by all who knew him.
A celebration of life service will be held on Saturday, August 3, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at Brown County Community Church, 2370 W. Main Street Nashville, Indiana 47448 with visitation starting at 10:00 a.m. until the time of service at the church. Entombment will be at Washington Park East at a later date.
Brown County Community Church
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