Don Smith

Don Smith, 83, a 60 year resident of Orondo and the Greater Wenatchee area, passed away on Tuesday, February 22, 2011, at Highline Care Center, surrounded by his family. A kind, gentle and fun loving man, he will be greatly missed. Don was born on March 13, 1927, in Cave City, AR, to John Ike and Hazel Enid (Felts) Smith, the oldest of eight children. In 1945, before graduating from Sidney High School, Don enlisted in the Army Air Force and served with the 911th Bomber Group in the Philippines. After his honorable discharge in 1947, he returned to Arkansas to finish high school, where he drove the school bus his senior year. In 1950, he came west with his family to work in the fruit orchards to earn extra money for college. But the best laid plans of man were altered when he fell in love and married Myrna Payne in Orondo, WA on December 1, 1951, where they lived and raised six children. A lifelong farmer, he went from raising corn and cotton with mules in Arkansas, to growing peaches and apples on an orchard that he purchased south of Orondo in 1963, from an employer. The orchard and vacant land turned into a true menagerie, always stocked with a vast variety of animals. A half acre garden and milk cows helped feed the large family and many others. Always sharing, he passed his farming knowledge, work ethic and experience to his kids and, through the 4-H program, to a multitude of other children. He was a 4-H leader for almost 20 years, which was a labor of love. Besides helping kids learn to care for, appreciate and exhibit animals, he traveled the West Coast, showing his prize winning rabbits. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Myrna Smith, at home in East Wenatchee; five sons, Bill (Vonnie) Smith and Ken (Debbie) Smith, all of East Wenatchee, Don (Gretchen) Smith Jr. of Malaga, Tom (Wendy) Smith of Three Lakes and Blake (Mary) Smith of Wenatchee; one daughter, Liz Ann (Joe) Rasmussen of Entiat; brothers, Jairl (Bonnie) Smith of Derby, KS and Corky Smith of Cave City, AR; sister, Maggie Philpott of Sulphur Springs, AR; sister-in-law, Shirley Smith of Cave City, AR; 17 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Glen, Billy and Jim; sister-in-law, Pat Smith; one sister, Peggy Williams; and brother-in-law, Neal Williams. The family would like to thank the staff at Highline Care Center for their friendship, love and support. A Memorial Service will be held Friday, March 4, 2011, at 3:00 p.m. at Telford's Chapel of the Valley. A Private Graveside Service will be held at Orondo Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Douglas County 4-H Organization. Arrangements are by Telford's Chapel of the Valley, East Wenatchee.

Don Smith

March 13, 1927 - February 22, 2011