Donald Edward "Smitty" Smith

Donald Edward Smith, 73, passed away Tuesday, August 13, 2013, at Prime Nursing and Rehab in Des Moines. He was born August 23, 1939, in Kansas City, Missouri, to Cepolu Smith and Esther (Lyle) Clark. Donald attended Richmond High School, where he played in the band.

After high school, Donald was employed by Karl Chevrolet, and later entered into marriage to Carolyn Ann (Gatewood) Smith.

Donald proudly served in the United States Army and served as a paratrooper in the 344 Division. He attended Welding school, graduated, and was employed by Lenox. Donald later became a member of the Laborers Local 177, and was employed in the construction trade as a bricklayer and laborer where he worked until his retirement.

Donald had a renewed relationship with Christ. He enjoyed the outdoors, hunting and fishing. Donald was a football and baseball fan. He loved spending time with his family and enjoyed cooking food, reading, and all types of music. Donald was kind, loving, generous, and a sensitive person who always enjoyed teasing his family and friends.

Donald is survived by his children, Antonio Gatewood, Don (Donna) Smith, and Stacey (Kim) Smith, all of Des Moines, Conrad (Janice) Smith of Carrier Mills, IL, Luwana (Venson) Newsom of Carbondale, IL, and Kimberly McCracken, also of Des Moines; 14 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; siblings, Mary Kathryn Rife, Doc “L.C.” Clark, Frederick Lewis Clark, Anna Marie Covin, and David Wesley Clark, all of Des Moines; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his wife, Carolyn Ann Smith, grandson, Edward Lindsey McCracken, and nephew, Michael A. Knox.

Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m., Sunday, August 18, 2013, at Hamilton’s Funeral Home, 605 Lyon Street, Des Moines. Funeral Services will be at 1 p.m., Monday, August 19, at Union Baptist Church, 1200 McCormick Street, Des Moines. Burial will follow at Glendale Cemetery.

Memorial Contributions may be directed to the family in loving memory of Donald.

Condolences may be expressed at:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com

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