Donald Dean Smith

Don Smith was born October 11, 1928, the middle son of Harold and Leone Smith of Kansas City Kansas. He grew up in the Armourdale district of Kansas City Kansas and proudly lived there through young adulthood. Don graduated from Argentine high school and was drafted into the US Army. It was during the time of the Korean War, and he was fortunate to spend his entire military time at Fort Riley, Kansas. He was part of the 87th infantry division, assigned to manage the motor pool and arrange daily transportation for the officers. Additionally, he was often called upon to call cadence and march the troops to specific destinations. He was a very proud American, loved this country and was proud to serve in the military. From childhood Don worked alongside his parents and brothers in their family business. Smitty’s Boats and Motors on 7th Street was well known for sporting goods of all kinds, and its bait and tackle business open to customers 24/7, as the family made their home upstairs above the business. In 1951, the Armourdale area suffered a devastating flood and the Smith family lost everything. Don, with his brothers and father put their boats in the floodwaters to help rescue others in their neighborhood and surrounding area. Within a short time they persevered, rebuilt the business and recovered from the disaster. In 1952, while obtaining a weekend pass from Fort Riley, Don was invited to join his Army buddy Corporal Chuck Lackmann to visit his home and family farm in Moorhead, Minnesota. There they relaxed, had a good time, fished with Chuck’s brothers and had a nice break. Also while in Minnesota he met Chuck’s sister Carolyn, and a romance began. He was quickly accepted by the Lackmann family and in 1954 Carolyn and Don were married. They made their home in Overland Park, Kansas and were married for 68 years. In the early 1960’s Don took the exceptional opportunity to work for Allied Oil and Supply Company of Omaha Nebraska. He began as an entry-level Industrial Oil salesman covering the Kansas City area. With his strong work ethic and determination, it wasn’t long before he realized his talent for salesmanship and his business and territory began to grow rapidly. Don achieved top salesman awards many years in a row and worked for Allied Oil for 37 years before retiring in 2002. He was a devout Christian and family man with a strong belief in God and the Holy Spirit. He walked his path with Jesus everyday for decades. He gave all of his troubles to God and praised the Lord for all of his many blessings; especially his long, happy marriage, four daughters and a successful career. Don had a very kind and generous heart. He was patient and very tolerant. He loved people and loved helping people. Everything he did was with purpose, calm and a determination to succeed. He could overcome obstacles and challenges with grace. The most obvious and biggest obstacle of course, the loss of his eyesight. Giving up was never an option. He had an optimism about life, and mental toughness that was unmatched. In his early years, he enjoyed pheasant and quail hunting, boating with family and friends, fishing and working on his hobby farm. He took many fishing trips to Canada with his brother-in-law’s and friends. He loved the Kansas Jayhawks, the Kansas City Chiefs and Royals; and equally loved Kansas City. He thought it was the best place in the world to live and would never entertain or even consider living anywhere else. He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Roy and Lonnie Smith and nephew Don Smith. He is survived by his wife Carolyn and their four daughters: Terri Lynn Smith of Spring Hill, KS, Kelly Rae Gillespie of Lee Summit, MO, Lori Dawn Smith of Boulder, Montana and Holly Jo Smith of Olathe, KS. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. There will be a private service with military honors for the family immediately, and a Celebration of Life service with military honors for family and friends late March/early April. Date and venue to be determined. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the National Association of Korean War Veteran’s or Wounded Warrior Project.

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Donald Dean Smith

October 11, 1928 - February 18, 2023