Of Shrewsbury, was born in Salisbury, Missouri on July 7, 1930, and entered into his eternal rest on January 8, 2022. Moving to Kansas City after college, Don met his beloved wife of 64 years, Margaret Smith (nee Landauer) at Sealtest Ice Cream where they both worked. Don was blessed with four children Sandra Odenwald (Kurt), Mary Ann Hoekel (Jim), D.J. Smith and Jo Ann Buckley (Tom). Don was also blessed with 13 grandchildren, Emma Weir (Weezer), Lucy Odenwald, Michael Odenwald (Kaila), Trudy Odenwald, Henry Hoekel, George Hoekel, John Buckley, Steven Buckley, Mark Buckley, Joseph Buckley, Clare Buckley, Emily Justus, and Melissa Justus. Two days before Don left this world, Michael and his wife Kaila blessed him with his first great-grandchild, Anna Lorraine Odenwald.
Don was one of three boys born to the late Albert and Lorene Smith of Salisbury, MO, each born on July 7 over three consecutive years (1930, 1931 and 1932). Don was preceded in death by his brother, baby Smith, who died at childbirth in 1931, and his dear brother B.J. Smith of Morton, IL. Don is survived not only by his wife, children, grandchildren, and great granddaughter, but also by his sisters-in-law Mary Ellen Smith of Morton, IL, Marcella Wyatt and Kathleen Keylon of Kansas City, KS, and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
After graduating from the University of Missouri in Columbia, Don joined the U.S. Army and was a proud Veteran having served in Korea.
Don worked for Commercial Union Insurance for more than 30 years and moved his family to Shrewsbury, MO from Kansas City in 1972. Shrewsbury and St. Michael the Archangel Church is where Don made his home and raised his family. Don was very active in the Boy Scouts, becoming an Eagle Scout and serving as the Scout Master for Troop 336 for many years. Don volunteered countless hours with the St. Vincent de Paul Society at St. Michael’s and was also a devoted attendee of the White House Retreat House in South County, attending more than 30 retreats and serving as Retreat Captain. He was also a third-degree Knight in the Knights of Columbus. Grandpa Smith was a regular volunteer at Emmanuel Nursery School in Webster Groves serving as the cook and grill master for the annual spring field trip and Kiddie Carnival – even long after his grandchildren had moved on from Emmanuel. Don was an enthusiastic camper and enjoyed family vacations camping along the Black River.
Don was a skilled craftsman who shared his talents with family and friends. Building wooden swing sets, installing storage shelves, and crafting Pine Wood derby cars were just a few of Don’s contributions to his family. Don had an uncanny talent in finding multiple uses for Duct Tape—gray being his favorite color. And Don will most certainly be remembered by his grandchildren for his Cheetos dipped in cream cheese and his love of butter.
Visitation will be held on January 12 from 4-8 pm at Kutis Funeral Home in Affton. Funeral Mass will be held on Thursday, January 13 at St. Michael the Archangel in Shrewsbury at 12:30 pm. Donations to St. Vincent De Paul at St. Michael’s and St. Jude’s Hospital in Don’s memory are appreciated.
Mr. Biff was a father figure for me and many other young people who spent countless hours in the Smith home. He was one of the most genuine and kind men in my own life. Mr. Biff coordinated great photos of our group of five ladies throughout our high school years at Bishop Dubourg, during college, and when we all were married and started our own families. May his soul rest in peace.
Uncle Don will be missed, he was a good man! Though we were 2,000 miles apart, I always knew he was there in St. Louis. As a child, and his God son, I looked forward to his Christmas card with few crisp new dollar bills, it meant a lot. The one time that stands out is getting a call on a Sunday morning in 1979 when Uncle Don called and said, is this you Larry, in Boys Life magazine? Yes it was, and having my Godfather read that and call still is vivid in my memories. Yes, Uncle Don was a good man, no actually a Great Man!
My sincere condolences on the loss of Don, whom I highly respected for his work with the St. Vincent de Paul Society when I was District President. He was supportive and effective in his solid understanding of the work of the Society.
My prayers are both with and for Margaret (who I always got to see in the FB pic) and the family.
My sympathies to the Smith family. I worked with Don at Commercial Union where I started my insurance carrier and he was a great mentor. My Father, John Dean also worked at Commercial Union for many years and he and Don were great buddies.
I have so many fond memories of Mr. Smith. His kind and gentle spirit, along with his contagious smile, welcomed everyone into his beautiful life. He and Mrs. Smith exemplified what a loyal, loving marriage and family are. Loving thoughts and prayers for all.
Our deepest sympathy to you Margaret and your entire family. Don was a fine man who always had a smile and a gleam in his eye for everyone.. I enjoyed talking with Don when he would attend Board meetings and he always took great interest in what was going on in Shrewsbury. He will be sorely missed by all.
Margaret, Don and family,
At a time when we about all we hear is bad news, I hear the terrible news of Don’s death. Don was a special man who I admired for always giving back to his family, friends and community.
I will not forget Don. If some young man was looking for a role model , Don is it.