Obituary of Donald Gilbert Smith

Donald G. Smith, the son of Robert Ross and Elreta (Betterton) Smith, was born February 12, 1936 in Downers Grove, Illinois.  He attended school in Monroe, Iowa.  He served his country in the United States Air Force from 1953 – 1957.  On December 13, 1958, Donnie was united in marriage with Sharon Rose Dickinson in Newton. Iowa.  Don had worked at Hamilton’s Radiator and Glass in Newton, Iowa and at Sander’s Motors.  He owned and operated Don’s Body Shop until 1988.  Donnie enjoyed the outdoors, hunting and fishing.

Donnie died on Wednesday, May 16, 2018 at the VA Central Iowa Health Care System in Des Moines, Iowa.  He was 82 years old.  Donnie was preceded in death by his parents; his step-mother, Margaret Smith; his wife, Sharon, on July 20, 1995; his sister, Sharon Smith-Ucci; his brothers, Tommy Smith and Jimmy Smith; three step brothers, Ray Weaver, Bob Hubler and Harold Hubler; and his sister-in-law, Doris Smith.

Those left to honor Donnie’s memory include his god-son, Tom Sharp; his brothers, Ronnie (Sheila) Smith and Johnny Smith; his sister, Pat "Patsy" Braaksma (Larry Langstraat); his sister-in-law, Kitty Smith and several nieces, nephews and friends.

Funeral services will be held 2:00 p.m. on Monday, May 21, 2018, at the Pence ~ Reese Funeral Home in Newton.  The family will greet friends from 1:00 p.m. until service time at the funeral home.  Memorials may be designated in Donnie’s name and may be left at the funeral home.