Donald W. Smith

Donald W. Smith

Vinton

Donald W. Smith, 90, passed away peacefully at his home in Vinton on Nov. 27, 2022. To honor Don’s wishes, there will be no public services.

Donald was born May 18, 1932, in Vinton, Iowa, the son of Ralph and Susan Smith. A graduate from Lincoln High School 1950 in Vinton. He served with the U.S. Army shortly after the Korean War from 1953-55 as a supply sergeant. His early careers included carpentry and railroad construction. He was united in marriage on June 10, 1971, to Fern Debates Sauer. He worked at John Deere in Waterloo in the foundry and as a maintenance supervisor for 25-plus years. He enjoyed his retirement years spent at his cabin on the Cedar River with his family and friends. He loved to set bank poles, was an expert at catching catfish and occasionally caught snapping turtles by hand.

Survivors include his children, David Smith, Leeann Sauer, Eric Sauer, Pete (Michele) Sauer, all of Vinton, Brett (Amy) Smith, of Palo and Angie Roberts of Hurricane, W.V.; grandchildren, Christine Abbott, Savannah (Andrew) Murray, Taylor Roberts, Sam (Paula) Sauer, Beth (John) Martin, Harley Owen, Rocco Gentilella, Caleb and Joshua Sauer; great-grandchildren, Hudson Murray and Adeline Martin; his brother, Steven Amos of Sumner; sister, Waneta Lint of Garrison; and many special nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Fern Smith; his stepfather, Earl Amos; his brothers, Jack and Marshall; his sister, Joanne Amos; and his grandson, Bradley Smith.

He brought as much love and joy into our lives as we brought into his. He will be greatly missed by all. Until we meet again, rest easy Papa Don.