Donald Allan Smith, 95, was called to be with God on March 7, 2023 in Carefree, Arizona. Don was born on July 9, 1927 in Geneva, Illinois to Alice (Snow) Smith and Allan Smith. He spent his childhood in Gary, Indiana where his father worked at the U.S. Steel Gary Works. After high school graduation, Don enrolled at Northwestern University intending to study medicine. His studies were interrupted when he enlisted in the Navy during WW2. He ultimately earned a degree in chemistry in 1949 and a master’s degree in business administration from the University of Chicago in 1961. After a long career in sales and marketing in the industrial chemicals and gas industry, Don pursued his life-long interest in medicine, becoming a respiratory therapist and the administrator of the cardio-respiratory and radiology wing at Illinois Masonic Hospital in Chicago. He retired in 1994.

Don met his wife, Gloria Eckstein, in Chicago, and they were married on April 21, 1951. They lived in several places during their marriage, including Illinois, Connecticut, South Carolina, and ultimately retired to Mobile, Alabama where Don tended the roses at Bellingrath Gardens and served as a docent at the History Museum of Mobile. Don loved the South and his time in Mobile, and spent many years enjoying retirement with Gloria. Don and Gloria loved to travel, and went on numerous adventures and cruises during their lifetime together.

Don’s love of family is well-known among his relatives. He made it a point to attend every graduation, wedding, funeral and other special occasions whenever possible. His support for his children, grandchildren and even great-grandchildren’s educational and life endeavors was unconditional. He embraced the notion of “La Famiglia” whole-heartedly and with enthusiasm. Everyone knew that he was the man they could count on, no matter what.

Don was preceded in death by his wife, Gloria; his brother, Charles Smith; daughter-in-law, Mary Kay Smith; and all of his beloved in-laws. He truly was the “last man standing” among his generation. Since he had a reputation for being late to everything, I’m sure they were all standing at the gates of Heaven saying, “Finally! Late again, but you made it!”

Don is survived by his four children: Donald Smith Jr. (Dorothea), David Smith (Eileen), Thomas Smith and Ann Marie (Smith) Olin (Randy); many grandchildren and great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

A Memorial Visitation will be held on Saturday, May 20, 2023 at Geisen Funeral, Cremation and Reception Centre, 606 E. 113th Ave. Crown Point, Indiana, 46307, from 2:00 PM until the time of Memorial Service at 4:00 PM. Don will be laid to rest with his beloved wife at Oak Hill Cemetery in Geneva, Illinois.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Don’s memory to the Alzheimer’s Association.

Visit Don’s online guestbook at www.GeisenFuneralHome.com 219-663-2500.