FRANKLIN
Donald “Don” Clyde Smith, 87 of Franklin, passed away peacefully into the arms of our Heavenly Father on May 26, 2024. He was born June 18, 1936 in Indianapolis, Indiana to Herman Clyde Smith and Vesper Mary (Bennett) Smith and was a graduate of Franklin High School. Higher learning was very important to Don, and he completed many industrial management and time study courses and attended Indiana Central University (now University of Indianapolis) while raising his family. Over the years he worked for Cummins, Arvin, International Harvester, and finally RCA in Bloomington as a Methods Engineer “A”.
Don was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather who passed down a rich legacy of working hard, loving and serving God, his family and others. Don loved talking to people, and he never met a stranger. Don was the rock of the family and never wavered in his love for God or family. He was a longtime former member of First Mount Pleasant Baptist Church in Franklin and was a longtime member of Gray Road Baptist Church. He was a deacon and Sunday School teacher, and participated in countless Bible studies. He also coached Little League, and attended many of the activities his grandchildren participated in.
He was an avid reader, but also enjoyed working with his hands, building a family room with his sons and working on various projects. He was able to travel and enjoyed discovering the history of the places he went.
Don married Virginia Mae (Hyde) Smith on March 17, 1961. She lovingly survives. Also surviving are his children: Stephen C. Smith (Kim), Amy L. Bennett (Howie), D. Scott Smith, and Susan L. Childress (Dave); grandchildren: Lauren Smith, Harrison Smith, Hannah Bennett, Gracie Bennett, K. Scott Smith (Kilie), Trent Childress (Katie), Traci Lindsey (Jason), Terri Perry (Jimmy), Travis Childress (Kelsi) and Tyler Childress (Samantha) and several great grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister, Barbara Cox, brother Rev. Jack Smith, and sisters Phyllis Thomas and Betty Murphy. He was preceded in passing by his parents.
Funeral services will be held on Friday June 7, 2024 at Flinn and Maguire Funeral Home, 2898 North Morton Street (U.S. 31 North) in Franklin. Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 11:00 a.m. to the time of services at 1:00 p.m. Don will be laid to rest at Harris Cemetery in Union Township.
Expressions of caring and kindness may be received by the family at www.flinnmaguire.net.
