Donald Leo Smith

Donald Leo Smith passed away on January 22, 2025, at the age of 73, after a long valiant fight with Esophageal Cancer. His final moments were spent in the home of his sister and caretaker, Kathy Franks. He was surrounded with love from her and his daughters during his departure.  

Born on January 12th, 1952 to parents Betty Jean Anderson and Leo Smith in Salt Lake City, UT as the only boy in a family of eight.    

In his early days, he spent time at his home in Draper, riding his horse Lightning, playing little league baseball, asparagus hunting down Kimball Lane, and swimming with his friends in Brown's pond. He always had plenty of time to find ways to get himself into trouble and cause a ruckus among his sisters. 

Donald served our country as a U.S. Army soldier during the Vietnam War. He was a proud Vietnam Veteran. He wore his Vietnam Veteran hat with honor wherever he went. This often included several people who would come up and shake his hand, thanking him for his service.

He married the love of his life, Janet Marie Green on July 22, 1978 in Elko, NV. Together they welcomed three daughters, and his world continued to be surrounded by girls. He went by many names, Donny, Don, but he was most proud to be called, Dad.

Donald’s love for his family only grew as he welcomed nine grandchildren and three son-in-laws into his life. He loved being grandpa and even though he was a man of little words they all knew that he loved them. He enjoyed teasing the son-in-laws any chance he had.  

Donald worked for Daw Technologies as a general contractor for many years. He had a natural skill set that few possess. Working and creating all the things, whether building clean rooms at work or working on a new project at home. His daughters often recall the sound of wood cutting early on their weekend mornings. His skill sent him traveling all around the world, visiting places in the states as well as Sweden, Israel, and Scotland, always bringing back a surprise for his family. A collection of spoons for all his travels, or a special crystal for his wife, Janet. Though his travels sent him to many places, he was always home for each holiday. Making the most of his memories with his family. 

Donald enjoyed time golfing and visited multiple courses throughout his lifetime. He is one of the few who experienced a hole-in-one, except he had this happen three times. Even though he had the opportunity to golf all over the world his favorite one was the closest to home. He loved the Oquirrh Hills Golf Course the most.  

He is survived by his daughters, Jana (Jared) Wright, Kasey (Brian) Newton, and Rebecca (Kris) Meyer, his grandchildren, Wyatt, Katelynn, Emma, Harlie, Morgan, Brinley, Dean, Remington, Olivia, and his sisters Bonnie Johnson, Connie (Cola) Best, Linda Christensen, LuAnne Hultz, Kathy Franks, Connie Barron, and Vickie Smith, and in-laws, nieces, nephews, and friends. He is preceded in death by his wife Janet, and his parents. 

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the angels that came into his life when he needed them the most. His sister Kathy who welcomed him into her home, in addition to his home health team, and his hospice team, with Inspiration. They offered love and dignity in the final moments of his life.

A graveside service will be held on Monday, February 10, 2025 at 11 am at the Murray City Cemetery located at 5490 S Vine St, Murray, UT 84107