Don Mann Smith - Walker Funeral Home

In the early morning hours of Friday, June 26th, 2020, the world lost a rare and remarkable man when our beloved husband, father, and grandfather, Don Mann Smith, passed away unexpectedly while at home.

Don’s whole life was filled with service to others with no thought for himself. He was born on August 20, 1948 to Don and Arlene Smith in Salt Lake City, Utah and he was very close to his older sister Rosemary (Smitty). Growing up, he loved the outdoors, football, and generally getting into trouble. He graduated from Davis High School with the Class of ‘66 and joined the United States Marine Corps, signing up (much to his mother’s dismay) on his 18th birthday. He served in Vietnam with the 1st Force Reconnaissance Battalion, USMC 1967-1968. A Purple Heart recipient, his service while in the Corps was a lifelong source of pride. Semper Fidelis!

In 1969, following his return from Vietnam and while working at Lagoon, he met his sweetheart, Denise Wilcox, of Clearfield. Don said he knew from the first moment he saw Denise that she was the one for him and informed her current boyfriend of the fact. After some convincing, Denise agreed and they shared a whirlwind summer romance that led to a Temple Sealing in Salt Lake City in December of that year. They lived for, served, and adored each other every single day for 51 years. They were delighted to welcome their children Jenny (Bryan) Nielsen, Adam (Lesli) Smith, Rebecca (David) Riding, Benjamin (Mariah) Smith, Levi (Ashlee) Smith, and Jared (Audrey) Smith into their home and intentionally filled it with love, service, and kindness. Don also loved his animals and they loved him back.

Don was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served in many leadership capacities, but he was especially gifted in his service with the young men and Boy Scouts of America. He loved serving as a Seventy in Texas and in bishoprics in Idaho and Utah. Perhaps the calling that most showed who he truly was was a home teacher who really loved the families he served. There was no service too small or beneath his notice.

Throughout his life Don overcame some tremendous challenges. Profoundly dyslexic, but with unrelenting perseverance and determination, he completed the Pathways program of the Church and will receive his Bachelor’s Degree posthumously from BYU Idaho, an accomplishment his family deeply admires. It is a wonderful example of the man he was and, we believe, continues to be. His service in Vietnam left deep and lasting wounds that he endured to the very end, but he continued to be an amazing husband, father, and grandpa. He will be truly missed by his wife, children, and 18 grandchildren: Grace, Gretchen, CharlieAnne, Addison, Eleanor, Lafe, Emily, Caleb, Ainsley, Lucy, Maggie, Evelyn, Ezrie, Mercedies, Liam, Aiden, and Eugene with one more grandson expected this fall. We love you, Grandpa Don. He also leaves behind nephews Troy and Todd, and niece Tisa.

A public viewing will be held on Tuesday, June 30, 2020 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at the Walker Funeral Home in Payson UT (587 S 100 W, Payson, UT 84651). A graveside service will be held at 11:30 am in the Salem Cemetery on Wednesday July 1, 2020 (130 East 965 South, Salem, UT). Face masks are recommended for anyone attending the viewing or graveside service. Thank you for your cooperation.

In lieu of flowers, Don would love donations to be made to BYU-Idaho Need-based Financial Aid. https://donate.churchofjesuschrist.org/

Share Now

13 Condolences for Don Mann Smith

Condolences(13)

Max Cooper-Ford says

June 28, 2020 at 11:48 pm

Denise, My heart hurts for each of you. But we all know that Don is back with his parents and He’s in Heaven now. ( I’m Smitty’s friend) Blessings and prayers during this time.

REPLY
Shelly Konold says
June 30, 2020 at 1:11 am

Dear Aunt Denise, Jenny, Adam, Becca, Ben, Levi and Jared,
I love you guys!
I’m so sorry to hear about Uncle Don. I always loved him! He was the sweetest man and always so kind. I was always excited to see him and he always gave me the kindest smile. He won his way into my heart easily. I have a few fun memories of him, the youngest being one time when we visited and had Family Home Evening together. He made us all nachos and had so many of us kids surrounding him, letting us help. I remember when I was in my late teens, maybe early twenties, and I swallowed a butterscotch candy and it got stuck in my throat. I was completely freaked out. He took me into his hands and calmed me and cared for me until the candy dissolved enough to go down. I will never forget his tender care! My last main memory was a time I stopped by to see you, Aunt Denise, and him. We talked for a while and Ben and either Levi or Jared got home and they all invited me to go duck hunting with them. That is a fun memory and was a first for me. I’d never been hunting.
You all hold a special place in my heart. Family, cousins, growing up together. My prayers, thoughts and heart are with you. I love you and feel with you in this time of loss.

Jack L Stickney says

June 29, 2020 at 1:37 am

Sorry Denise and children for your loss. Don became one of my closest friends as we began work together at the Payson DC. He was a bear of a man who always had a smile and a kind word. He introduced me to a system of daily planning that served me for many years in my leadership roles. Early on he kindly warned me about coming up from behind (without warning). As your family was young I loved popping in unexpectedly during the holidays as Santa’s helper. One evening as I barged in unannounced, Don had been napping on the floor and came up swinging – I should have taken his earlier advice more seriously! Don was a great story teller and I was always mesmerized by his tales of high school shenanigans, flying close calls, automobile accidents and hunting stories. I have great respect for his service to our country and admired his bravery as he described his experiances in Vietnam. Don, you will be missed old friend. Love; Jack

Cathy Moore says

June 29, 2020 at 5:52 pm

Dear Family,
Just letting you all know my thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. Take care of each other especially now. I don’t have a lot of memories of little Don as I was a much younger cousin and then we moved to Canada. I do remember him staying at our house in West Point and I thought he was so cool. As I read his obituary I was so impressed that he was a great man. And I wished I’d gotten the opportunity to know him better. I know that day will come and it will be a fine day indeed. Anyway just wanted you all to know this Canadian cousin has you in my thoughts and prayers. Love to all. Cathy Smith Moore. Uncle Harry’s oldest daughter

Brenda Stevens says

June 29, 2020 at 6:49 pm

Denice, I’m so sorry to hear about Don. He is such an awesome cousin, we had so much fun when we’d come to Utah to visit. He thought it was fun to tease us. And the times helping at the Farmington horse races What great memories I have of him. I hope all of your Memories will bring you comfort. He will surely be missed by all of us.

Mary Lois and Herb Clayson says

June 29, 2020 at 7:34 pm

Don always conveyed a deep love and respect for those around him. Though his life was not easy, still he persisted in reaching out to others.
Our love and sincere condolences to Denise and their family. May you feel God’s loving arms around you.

Sally and Reed Nelson says

June 29, 2020 at 8:36 pm

Denise and family, we are so sorry to hear of Don’s passing. We have been ward members together for many years, and we love your family. We are grateful to have known Don in this earth life and feel we have benefitted greatly from knowing him. Please know that we care for all of you and our prayers are with you.

Ayla McKay says

June 30, 2020 at 11:03 am

I have such fond memories of Brother and Sister Smith from church. I always loved your class and how welcome you always made me feel. I wish you and your family peace and comfort at this most difficult time. It’s so hard losing someone we love so much. Please know I, and all the Ormonds Love You!

Shirley Cooper-Aguilar says

June 30, 2020 at 7:13 pm

Dear Smith family,

We are so sorry for your loss and hope happy memories will help get you through this time of loss
(Gene worked with Smitty and I’m friends with her through her
friend Max Cooper-Ford)

Jordan Rolfe says

July 1, 2020 at 3:25 pm

Brother Smith will be missed by many! He inspired and lifted those around him to be and do better. I loved his smile and could always tell that he cared. Your family will be in my heart and prayers! We love you!

David Bell says

July 1, 2020 at 5:46 pm

I would not be who or what I am today without Don Smith. His friendship and guidance were just what the Lord ordered for me. I know I’m not alone. My love to Don and Denise and all the kids who were just little then.

Barbara Bell says

July 1, 2020 at 5:59 pm

Dear Denice
How sad to receive a call from Myrna last night to share news about your sweetheart! My heart goes out to you and my thoughts and memories of our time together come flooding back. Life often gets in the way so that time runs out and things are left undone.
I cherish that I am able to be counted when it is asked
“Who here has been touched by the life of Don Smith?”
What a great friend, mentor and example he was to my family. How glad am I that you were by his side to be included in that package of love, devotion and example. I cannot think of one of you without the other.
Know that you are loved and prayed for. I hope your family is close.
I could go on but will close. . ❤️????

Heidi Pulham says

July 9, 2020 at 2:43 am

Such a Sweet man. Always kind to me. I looked forward to seeing his smile.

Don Mann Smith August 20, 1948 - June 26, 2020

Visitation

Visitation

Graveside Service

13 Condolences for Don Mann Smith