Donald W. Smith

Donald's Video Tribute Donald William Smith, 87, of Galesburg, went to be with the Lord at 2:55 p.m. Wednesday, July 2, 2014 at home. Don was born April 5, 1927 in Galesburg, the son of Frank and Mary Sedgwick Smith.  He married Joann Clevenger on September 24, 1948 in Knoxville.  Don is survived by his wife Joann of 65 years; two sons, Jeff (Debbie) and Randy both of Galesburg; two grandchildren, Melissa (Andrew) Farris and Jeff “J.D.” (Tania) Smith, Jr; and six great grandchildren, Damon, Quinn, Cloe, Blaze, Cayden, and Braddock.  He was preceded in death by one son, James David Smith; one daughter, Tammy Smith; and one granddaughter, Tammy Smith. Don worked many years in Galesburg, first working for Burlington Northern Railroad, he then worked for Meadow Gold, and last worked at Gates Rubber Co., where he retired.  Don served in the US Army during WWII.  Don was a very active member of Colonial Baptist Church, having been a Sunday school teacher, Boys Brigade Leader, and was a Clown known as “Snuffy” for many years at vacation bible school and Fourth of July parties.  He loved collecting clowns, trains, and WWII artifacts.  He also collected carousel horses and also enjoyed making them.  He loved to whistle. Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Monday, July 7, 2014 at Colonial Baptist Church, Pastor Darrell Grimm will officiate.  Burial will follow in Rio Baptist Cemetery, Rio, IL.  Visitation will be from 10-11 a.m. Monday at the Church.  The family requests memorial contributions be made to the Church.  Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Watson-Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Galesburg.