COUNCIL #9997 - ST. THOMAS MORE REMEMBERS
DON SMITH

 

O' faithful servant of the Lord, rest in peace... All pain and suffering is no more as you take your place in the heavenly kingdom...

Gearl Donald “Don” Smith, 72 years old, passed away suddenly on Friday, April 21, 2017. Don is survived by his wife of fifty years, Jo Ann; his daughters and respective sons-in-law, Gwen and Chad Davidson of Carrollton, Georgia, Elaina and Justin Dillon of Cedar Park, Texas, and Brook and Kalim Jacobs of Plano, Texas; and three grandchildren, Maggie Dillon, Andon Dillon, and Joe Jacobs. He is also survived by his brothers, Danny and Larry Smith, along with many cousins, nieces, nephews, and other extended family. Don was a loving father, husband, grandfather, and friend to all.
After graduating from Midwestern University in Wichita Falls, Texas, Don worked as an accountant for forty years in the oil and gas industry, including an internship in New York City and later an adventurous job in Fairbanks, Alaska, during the completion of the Trans-Alaska Pipeline. Through these experiences, he became a wise traveler, a trait he brought to his role as a father, in which he planned annual vacations for his wife, Jo Ann, and daughters, and later his extended family.

In 2005, Don entered a much-deserved retirement to spend time with Jo Ann. Don loved watching sports and playing golf. He was an active member of his community Catholic church, Saint Thomas More, where he enjoyed serving others in the Knights of Columbus. Don was an avid reader, from histories to science fiction, and instilled in his children the value of literature and learning. He also loved telling stories of the “old days” in Vernon, Texas, where he grew up—about his parents Guinn and Norma Smith, and his brothers. Don was a very tender, kind-hearted man who loved to tease and share humorous anecdotes with family and friends, always with a small smirk and a twinkle in his eye.

A memorial Mass in Don’s honor will be held on April 28, 2017, at 2:00 pm at Saint Thomas More Catholic Church, 10205 N FM 620, Austin, Texas, 78726. There will be a gathering for friends and family following mass in the Parish Activity Center.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Don’s memory to the Saint Thomas More Knights of Columbus, 10205 N FM 620, Austin, Texas, 78726. (Checks should be made payable to STM Knights Of Columbus #9997)..