SFC (Ret) Donald Lee Smith

SFC (Ret) Donald Lee Smith was born on May 21, 1941, in Chicago, Illinois to George "Pete" and Mildred "Millie" (Hill) Smith and passed away September 13, 2019 in Wheeling, West Virginia at the age of seventy-eight years. Donald entered the United States Marine Corps and honorably served from May 26, 1958 to May 27, 1964 earning the Good Conduct Medal (First Award) and Marksmanship Badge Rifle. He then entered the United States Army March 1, 1978 and faithfully served his country until his retirement June 6, 1985. Donald had attained the rank of Sergeant First Class and earned several decorations, medals and badges to include: National Defense Service Medal, RCTR Bad w/1 SAPH Star and 3 Gold Stars, Army Good Conduct Medal, Exp Qual Bad M16 and Exp Qual Bad Grenade LCHR. On October 14, 1978, in York, Pennsylvania, Donald married his sweetheart, Carol Marie Poe. Together they shared forty years of marriage and were blessed with five children: Kevin, Julie, Terry, Timothy and Charles. Donald worked hard to provide for his family. He was employed with the Screw Factory in Chicago, Hanover Brands Pretzel Plant, UTZ Potato Chip Company, Army Reserves as a Recruiter, United States Post Office and Salem R-80 as a Bus Driver. Donald was a lifetime member of the Amvets PA Post 22, Hanover, PA, past president of the Salem Eagles 3422, past president of the Salem Riders 3422, member of Loyal Order Moose Lodge 691, McHenry, IL, Abate of South Central MO, Salem, MO and the American Legion Post 99, Salem, MO. In his spare time, he enjoyed fishing, camping, traveling, playing softball, motorcycle rides, the Demolition Derby in Chicago. Most of all Donald enjoyed spending time with his family. He was proud of his children and cherished the time spent with his grandchildren. Preceding him in death, were his parents: George and Mildred Smith; son: Kevin Smith; daughter: Julie Smith and brother: Charles Smith. Donald is survived by his loving wife: Carol Smith of Salem, MO; three children: Terri Gerling and husband Jonathan of Ironton, MO; Timothy Smith and wife Mary of Invernes, FL and Charles Smith and girlfriend Kristi Baker of St. James, MO; one sister: Dena Dennick of Washington, IL; two sister-in-laws: Beverly Smith of Salem, MO and Patricia Whitmore of Salem, MO; four grandchildren: Heather Gerling of Williamsport, PA, Matthew Gerling of Union, MO, Timothy Gerling of Eugene, OR and Andrew Castro of Florida; one step-grandchild: Kaleb Cecil of St. James, MO; several nieces, nephews, extended relatives and friends. Donald was a loving husband, father and grandfather. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him. Memorial Service for Donald Lee Smith was held Wednesday, October 2, 2019 in the Wilson Mortuary Salem Chapel with Pastor Eddie Jones officiating. Song selections played were "Unchained Melody", "Prop Me Up Beside the Jukebox", "Old Rugged Cross" and "Marine Fight Song. Interment was in the Missouri Veterans Cemetery with Military Honors provided by the United States Marines. All arrangements were under the direction of Wilson Mortuary.

SFC (Ret) Donald Lee Smith

May 21, 1941 - September 13, 2019