Don C. Smith

Don C. Smith, 76, of New Philadelphia passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family in Hennis Care Center at Dover on February 7, 2016 following a period of declining health due to complications with Alzheimer’s Disease.

Born in Cambridge on May 6, 1939, he was the son of the late W.J. “Red” and Elizabeth M. (Alderman) Smith.

Don was a 1957 graduate of Cambridge High School where he was the president of the National Honors Society and was a delegate of Buckeye Boys State.

He continued his formal education at Wittenberg University obtaining his Business Administration degree. There, he was also a member of the Delta Sigma Phi fraternity.

Professionally, Don worked in Cambridge for RCA, then continued his employment for more than 30 years with Miller Studio serving in a variety of roles within the Purchasing and Human Resources departments.

Most notably, Don was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend. His faith was nurtured at the Emmanuel Lutheran Church where he served in several capacities including Church Council President. Don also umpired softball and baseball for decades. He was a lifelong member of the New Philadelphia Elks and a devoted member of the Quaker Club.

A Bobcat at heart, a Quaker by transplant, and a reluctant Tornado, Don was his children and grandchildren’s greatest support in their personal interests.  His most favorite moments in his life consisted of being surrounded by his family on their yearly vacations to the Outer Banks. There, he was at peace and found true contentment with those he loved the most.

Don and his late wife, Kay, were blessed with two children including Traci (Kurt) Smith of Dover and Douglas (Shannon) Smith of New Philadelphia. In 1997, he married Sandra K. (Winkler) Meese Smith and welcomed her children, Matthew Meese of Uhrichsville and Melissa (Patrick) O’Connell of Mansfield into his heart.

Affectionately known to his grandchildren as “Pa” and “Papa”, he was adored by Kooper, Jake, and Camryn Smith of Dover, Kevin and Kylie Smith of New Philadelphia, and Alyshia and Mitchel Meese.

Don was preceded in death by his parents; and his first wife, Kay, in 1992.

Visitation will be held in the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home & Crematory at New Philadelphia on Tuesday from 4 to 7 p.m. A service celebrating Don’s life will be held in the Emmanuel Lutheran Church on Wednesday beginning at 2 p.m. with visitation one hour prior to the service in the church. A meal will be shared in the church fellowship hall immediately following the service. Private inurnment will follow at a later date.

Memorial contributions in Don’s memory may be directed to either Emmanuel Lutheran Church, 202 East High Ave. New Philadelphia, Ohio 44663 or the Alzheimer’s Association, 408 9th St SW, Canton, OH 44707.