Donald W. “Don” Smith

Age 81, passed away August 7, 2021, in Lansing. He was born November 6, 1939, in La Porte County, IN, to the late Donald E. and Arlene A. (Jackson) Smith.

Don and his wife Adah were longtime members of St Michael’s Episcopal Church. He was a graduate of Murray State University, in Murray, Kentucky and later earned his master’s degree from Michigan State University. He went on to 40-plus years of service as a teacher, serving at Gardner Middle School, teaching math, and physical education. Don was a longtime coach at Lansing Everett High School, where he coached baseball with Jake Boss. Don’s time as a coach extended long beyond his retirement; he was a mentor to many in shooting, and hunting. He was very involved in his grandchildren’s sports, and was even known as “grandpa” by his grandchildren’s friends. Don will be greatly missed by his family, friends and the communities served for so many years.

Don is survived by his children: Michael (Dawn) Smith, and Melissa Smith; grandchildren: Grace, Claire, Brody, and Kailyn; sisters: Patricia (Delbert) Ashcraft, Doris (Jack) Sciara, Donna (Greg) Reese, and Sue (Dee) Garritno; as well as nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife of 42 years Adah G. Smith, and his grandson Thomas Waligorski.

The funeral for Don Smith will be 11:00 a.m., Friday, August 13, 2021, at St. Michael’s Episcopal Church, 6500 Amwood Dr., Lansing, MI 48911 with The Very Rev. Nikki Seger officiating, interment will follow in East Lawn Memory Gardens, Okemos. Visitation will be 2:00-4:00 p.m. and 6:00-8:00 p.m. Thursday at the Estes-Leadley Holt/Delhi Chapel, 2121 N. Cedar St., Holt, MI 48842. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Michael’s Episcopal Church, Sparrow Hospice House of Mid-Michigan, or to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.