FRANKLIN
Donald Archie Smith, 87, gently passed into the arms of God on Mar 27, 2021 surrounded by family in his home in Franklin, IN. Born Feb 23, 1934, Dayton, OH of parents Archie Ford Smith and Catherine Rosella Rabold of Dayton, OH. Married for almost 58 loving years to his beloved sweetheart, Joan Sandra Speedie, preceded him in death along with his parents and a granddaughter Krystal Leann Delaney. Don is survived by his sister Marcia Shields of Deland, FL. Three sons, Douglas Alan (Eveline), St. Joseph, IL, Keith Cameron (Lisa), Westfield, IN, Neal Ramsey, West Milton, OH and daughter Deirdre (Dee) Delaney (Stuart), Grove City OH. Along with 12 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren, hosts of nieces, nephews, friends, tax clients and singers, we include Carolyn Staudt (McCauley), Concord MA, Tedd McCauley (Kim) Joliet, IL, Kevin McCauley, and Brian McCauley (with God) as sister and brothers loved and mentored by Donald and Joan for over 50 years.
Don graduated 1952 Valedictorian from Roosevelt High School (Dayton). He joined the US Navy in 1952 as part of the NROTC program with Harvard University, graduating with a BA in Science & Math, 1956. Don’s professional career included many roles at North American Aviation (NAA), Applied Mathematician for Operation Plumbbob in Nevada. Research Engineer included nuclear blast physics, which redesigned the nuclear battlefield. Operation Hardtack expanded his work to include thermonuclear scenarios. For the NAA Missile Division, he traveled internationally marketing smart weapons and video guided bombs. His desire to continue his service to country was further emphasized while working directly with the Pentagon, Department of Defense, the Congressional Liaison office to the White House, the U.S. Navy, U.S. Airforce, to strengthen the national security apparatus at home and abroad. His contributions to national security have saved countless American lives and contributed to the country’s work to eradicate global terror. Many smart weapons refined are still used today, such as the Hellfire Anti-Tank Missile, HOBOs, Condor, Maverick, AGM-65 and GBU-15.
A natural teacher, Don also taught mathematics at the Dayton YMCA, later known as Sinclair Community College. Don’s respect for teachers was most evident in his role as a Professional Development consultant and Board Member for KidSolve, Inc., where he conducted teacher training in various STEM fields. A Certified Management Accountant (CMA), IRS Enrolled Agent and National Leader for the AARP Volunteer Tax Program, he led the annual AARP Midwest Region volunteer training each year and alongside his beloved Joan, providing volunteer tax preparation thru the AARP for over 45 years.
Don’s focus changed in the 1980’s to be of service to his Church, initially with bookkeeping and finance. He then served the North Indiana Conference of the United Methodist Church as Senior Assoc. General Secretary to assist them in reducing their Health Care Benefits costs, throughout the state and at the national level, using Self-Funded and Wellness initiatives.
Always giving of his time and talents, Don had many hobbies and interests, many of which kept him very busy. Busy working puzzles, telling jokes (especially puns), being an avid card player, playing golf, reading, and filling many theatre roles-acting, directing and producing. Don was an airplane pilot, sailed and piloted boats and yachts, and served many Boy Scout leadership positions. Don and Joan were very active together in the Hill Valley Homeowners’ Association in Greenwood, IN serving different volunteer roles. They also both enjoyed serving in Sierra Leone with the United Methodist Operation Classroom project. Don also served in country as a Physics/Mathematics specialist instructing workshops for teachers to learn new lab techniques and promote student engagement in STEM learning.
A member of Grace United Methodist Church, Don enjoyed singing in the choir and assisting with outreach activities, including becoming a Stephen Minister. He was a member of The Lasting Impressions singing group, performing at various locations in Indiana. We all know that Don loves reading BOOKS, but he also authored his wife’s memoirs "Here’s Joanie" and recently detailed his own life’s story in "Tales from the Aerospace Crypt".
Visitation Friday April 9 at 2 to 4 PM and 6 to 8 PM at Wilson St Pierre Funeral Service & Crematory, Greenwood Chapel 481 W. Main Street and again Saturday 10 AM- 12 PM at Grace United Methodist Church, 1300 E. Adams Dr. Franklin, IN with a Celebration of Life Service there at 1:30 PM. Masks are mandatory and are to be worn properly at all times. Burial and a graveside service including military honors will be at a later date in Brookville, OH at the Royal Oaks Cemetery.
Charities meaningful to Don: Grace United Methodist Church: Attention Stephen Ministry, the Mill Race Center (a Lasting Impressions performance venue, 900 Lindsey St Columbus, IN 47201), and the Michael Family Scholarship Fund (through the Dayton Foundation 1401 S. Main Street, Dayton, OH).
You are invited to read Don’s obituary at <a href="http://www.stpierrefamilyfuneral.com">www.stpierrefamilyfuneral.com</a>, where you may sign the guest book and leave a personal message for the family.
