Obituary: Donald W. "Smitty" Smith - Class of 1938

MADISON - Donald W. "Smitty" Smith, age 87, died on Monday, July 7, 2008, at his home in Madison surrounded by his loving family. He was born on Oct. 4, 1920, to Thomas and Verna (Egan) Smith in Eau Claire. The family moved to Madison during the Great Depression. In Madison, he attended St. Raphael's grade school and Central High School. In 1942, Don enlisted in the Army Air Corps where he attained the rank of captain. After one year of training, he was shipped to Norwich, England, where he flew 30 missions on his beloved plane "Queenie". On June 10, 1950, he was united in marriage to Kathryn "Kay" Daly. After the war, Don returned to Madison, where he was a mail carrier for the U.S. Postal Service until his retirement after 35 years of service. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, and the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 1318 on Lakeside St. For many years after his retirement, Don enjoyed golfing with his friends, and playing cards, especially euchre and bridge. Don is survived by his wife, Kay; two children, Marsha (John) Gahagan of Fitchburg and Greg (Susan Otterson) Smith of Janesville; and his adored grandchildren, Kevin (fiancee Lynn), Bridget, Keely, and Emma; a sister, Geraldine Hoffman of Madison; and nieces and cousins. A Memorial Mass will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, July 11, 2008 at OUR LADY QUEEN OF PEACE CATHOLIC CHURCH, 401 S. Owen Drive, Madison with Father Todd Van Natta officiating. A visitation will be held from 10 a.m. until time of services at the church on Friday. Memorials are appreciated to the HospiceCare Foundation, 5395 E. Cheryl Pkwy, Madison, WI 53711. The family would like to thank the staff at HospiceCare and St. Mary's Care Center for the wonderful care provided to Don. Also, special thanks to Dr. Hermus and Angie, as well as Melissa and Becky. He will be dearly missed. Cress Funeral and Cremation Service 3610 Speedway Road (608) 238-3434

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on July 9, 2008

Note: Donald Smith's class year is based in information in the 1938 Orange & Black yearbook, where he is listed among the members of the June graduating class.