Central Oregonian

Donald Smith

Donald C. Smith took his final journey Sunday, Feb. 28, this time home to be with the Lord.

Don was born May 29, 1933, the son of Lance and Alice (Walsh) Smith. He graduated from Crook County High School in 1951, and on Oct. 10, 1953, in Prineville, he married his life long partner and love of his life, Ethel I. (York) Smith.

With the exception of a few months, Don lived his entire life in Prineville. He loved Central Oregon, always referring to it as “God’s Country.”

Don lived a full life, working hard and playing harder. His passions were his family, work, hunting and fishing. Special events always found the Smith home filled with family, friends and some of Don’s great cooking. Don loved the Lord and was a member of the Powell Butte Christian Church.

Working more than 24 years at Ochoco Lumber Company, his vast experience there set the stage for what became a very successful venture for the Smiths with the founding of D&E Wood Products in 1979. Referring to himself as the “Junkman of the Timber Industry,” Don discovered ways to utilize the unused lumber and trim-ends from local mills. His employees were like family and his clients often became dear friends.

In 1996, Don retired and set out on new adventures, traveling the world, fishing and hunting various species of animals. His family often refers to his collection of mounted animals as “The Dead Zoo.”

Don’s family includes his wife Ethel and children, Audrey and Rick Barnes of Roseburg, and Nancy and Greg Lambert of Prineville. He was known as Pop-Pop to his grandchildren Sam Lambert and Sam’s fiance Sulema Danner, Sarah and Dave Schultz, Jennifer and Sam Haines, as well as his five great-grandchildren Billy Schultz, Zachary Schultz, Nora Haines, Allison Danner and Brianna Danner. He is also survived by his sister, June Stover, two nieces, a nephew, numerous cousins and countless friends.

Don was preceded in death by his parents, Lance and Alice Smith.

Visitation was held Thursday, March 4, from 4 to 8 p.m., at Prineville Funeral Home.

Services will be held at the Powell Butte Christian Church at 2 p.m., Friday, March 5. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made through the Prineville Funeral Home and directed to either Doernbecker Children’s Hospital or the Alzheimer’s Association.

Funeral arrangements are held by Prineville Funeral Home.