 copy 2.jpg)
Don was a preacher’s kid. His early memories were of big sky country in Browning, Montana. His childhood was filled with memories of long horseback rides, abundant winter snow and the awesome scenery of Glacier National Park. His family moved for a few years to Massachusetts, where he became a Boston Red Sox fan. Finally, the family moved to Southern California. As a student at Ramona High School in Riverside, California, he was a quarterback on the football team and a fan of the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Don joined the Navy in 1965. He sailed in the Atlantic and Pacific oceans during his time of service, with ports including Norfolk, Virginia; Bremerton, Washington; and San Diego, California. When the Centralia steam plant began hiring, Don was among those who moved to the area to work at providing electricity to the West. As a control operator for 30 years, he took pride in providing electricity that would be available day or night. Even so, the rotating shifts and missing holidays took their toll.
He was an active participant in the Lewis County Model Railroading Club, participating in shows at the mall, fairgrounds and eventually the museum in Chehalis. In retirement, he was active in veterans organizations and in representing veterans to our state representatives.
As a member of the church, Don was passionate about sharing the traditions of faith with others. He was generous in his support of projects with the church and community. His voice will be missed, although some of his opinions may be more freely given up than others.
Donald is survived by his loving wife, Joyce Smith (Zender); daughter Tracie (Kent) Hoium; son Bruce (Denise Ray) Smith; grandchildren Sarah, Amy and Brianna; and sisters Debbie (Richard) Stone and Huldah (Jim) Leoni.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Edgar and Eunice Smith.
A graveside service with military honors will be held at 11 a.m. Jan. 26 at Grand Mound Cemetery. Services will be held at 2 p.m. Monday, Jan. 26, 2026, at Rochester United Methodist Church.
Gifts and memorials may be offered to Rochester United Methodist Church.
