Book of Memories for Donald R. Smith

Condolence From Gary & Dalene Nelson

Mon, 11 Mar 2013 12:44:19 EDT

My brother and Sister-in Law said pretty much of our thoughts. Sorry this is late but had trouble finding it on Saturday. So many memories,so little time! "Smitty" was the most awesome guy! When he was in 3 Lakes, my young daughter asked him "would you change my diarbyper?" Also to Glenn and Kirby, I'm sorry for your loss, but memories still come back! I remember Kirby collecting bottle caps and saying "Hire's to you"! And Glenn I remember was it a Chevy with a 409? that you restored and took us for a ride to pick up "hoagies" subs do not cut it today ,hoagies do!I think my nephew is working on some old 8mm movies showing Smitty and My Dad fixing our garage door when Evelyn forgot to put the parking brake on! Once again, too many memories ,so little time! E-mail me when you have a chance and I will continue!

Story shared: VE Day in Paris, May 8, 1945

Sat, 09 Mar 2013 13:44:44 EST

"Smitty" and Dore' each had a 3-day pass to Paris and they went there by train on the evening of May 7, 1945. "Smitty" was 23, dad was 25. They arrived the morning of May 8 when victory was declared! The celebration was on! Paris is called the "City of Lights" but because of the war, the city was under blackout conditions for 6 years. On the evening of May 8, the lights went back on again. Children 6 years old and under had never seen the lights on in their city before. Dad said this was one of the most moving experiences of his life....and he said many times that he was so blessed to be able to share that experience with his best friend, "Smitty".

Story shared: VE Day in Paris, May 8, 1945

Sat, 09 Mar 2013 13:44:32 EST

Condolence From Ron and Pat Nelson

Sat, 09 Mar 2013 13:06:47 EST

"Smitty" was my dad's (Dore' Nelson) best friend. They met in the service in the 769th Military Police Battalion, "A" Company. They enjoyed the annual military reunions together with Evelyn and Polly. "Smitty" was the last to pass, but we hope that this reunion will be the best of all...

Condolence From Sheryl and Len Possoff

Thu, 07 Mar 2013 23:34:05 EST

We have a booth at Renningers and know Pat from there and we have become good friends. We have met "Uncle Donald" on many occasions and have enjoyed many conversations with him. He was such a delight and always a gentleman-just a nice guy. We will miss seeing him.

Condolence From Jim Loose

Wed, 06 Mar 2013 20:36:45 EST

I was a member of the 1947 Akron Junior City/County League team that won the League Championship and have many fond memories of Don and fellow team members. In September 2008 we had a 61st reunion of that Championship team and Don was still the active and youthful man I remembered from 1947, however when I look at the photos we had taken at that reunion I quickly realized we all had aged considerably. My thoughts and prayers go out to you during this trying period and I feel like a better person having met and played baseball for your dad!

Condolence From Dean Lapp

Wed, 06 Mar 2013 12:06:29 EST

Lots of happy memories with Donald and Polly (and Kirby) while growing up and later, running together as adults. He had a great backyard for whiffle ball, and allowed us to play many APBA games on his kitchen table. Yes, many memories. And prayers for you, Kirby and Donna and the rest of the family.

Condolence From PK Goel

Tue, 05 Mar 2013 17:41:45 EST

Our thoughts and prayers are with Don's family.

Photo shared: SMITH,_Donald_old_crop.jpg

Tue, 05 Mar 2013 10:21:35 EST

Photo shared: Client Default Image

Mon, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 LMT