Donald Leon Smithson

Donald L. Smithson, 76, passed away on Sunday, October 17, 2021 after an injury suffered in a fall. He was born on his grandfather’s birthday on December 21, 1944 at Randolph Field, Texas where his father, Donald K. Smithson was stationed with the Army Air Corps. He was the oldest child of Donald K and Betty Smithson, and was eventually joined by five siblings.

Raised on a farm in Ridgeville, IN, he excelled in school, graduating as valedictorian, and went on to graduate from Ball State University in Muncie, IN, becoming a teacher. While at Ball State, he met and married Mary H. Cole in 1964. They were married just over 50 years when she passed away in 2015. During their adventure together they raised two children, Tracy Smithson (Robert Nance), now of Columbus, OH, and Tony Smithson (Melaney), now of Milton, WI, and made many friends as their life took them to Indiana, California, Iowa, and Tennessee before beginning their retirement at Robin Run Village in Indianapolis. Don’s career had taken him from teaching, to banking, to manufacturing, when he finally retired as a materials manager.

After Mary’s death, Don was blessed with love for a second time, and married Erika Kelly in 2016. Don and Erika continued the adventure, and enjoyed a retirement of travel, visiting Alaska, Hawaii, Australia and New Zealand, among other exciting destinations.

In addition to Erika, Tracy and Tony, Don will be missed by his four remaining siblings, Jane Welch, of Winchester, IN, Vicki Patterson of Knoxville, TN, William Smithson, of Higdon, AL, and Kelley Smithson, of Ridgeville, IN. His brother Edward preceded him in death. Don will also be missed by his five grandchildren.

Don was the consummate handy-man, and enjoyed woodworking and other creative projects. The tools in his garage were organized to a level that made other craftsmen jealous, and most of the organizers he had designed and built himself.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, October 23 at North United Methodist Church, 3808 N. Meridian St, Indianapolis, IN 46208. There will be visitation with the family at 1:00 p.m. at the church, with the memorial service to follow at 2:00 p.m. Masks will be required for attendees. For those who cannot attend, the service will be livestreamed at northchurchindy.com.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Indianapolis Zoo where Don received so much joy. Donations can be made online at  https://indyzoo.doubleknot.com/registration/donate.aspx?activitykey=2299372