Don Smith was born on December 30, 1940, in Mangum, Oklahoma to Juanita (Wilson) Smith and Thurman B. Smith and passed away early on October 10, 2024. He was two months shy of his 84th birthday. Don married Jolaine Caffey on August 27, 1976, and they enjoyed 48 years together.
Don graduated from Mangum High School in 1958 and received his Bachelor of Science in Industrial Education from Oklahoma University in 1967. Immediately upon graduation, he joined the United States Army in 1967 and served in Vietnam until 1969. He was awarded the Army Commendation Medal for meritorious service while serving with the 20th Engineer Brigade in the Republic of Vietnam.
Don later became a teacher at Mangum High School where he taught CVET and woodshop to many students. He became the National President of CVET, a program for young men to learn concrete, electrical, plumbing, and building skills. After teaching for several years, Don opened Smith and Paint and Body Shop, which was his dream for many years. He worked there for approximately 20 years until he retired in 2000.
He loved water skiing, fishing, and working on classic cars and motor scooters. He must have restored over 40 Cushman Motor Scooters, which he sold all over the United States. He loved going to Cushman meets and spending time riding with his friends. His last project was a 1955 two-door hardtop Belair Chevrolet.
Don is preceded in death by his parents and sister Sue White.
He is survived by his wife, Jolaine of Mangum, Oklahoma; Sister, Lynda Sifferman of Nixa, Missouri; Sister-in-law, Margene Caffey and Brother-in-law, Lee Caffey; Numerous nieces, Nephews, as well as Zac, Austin, and Laine Caffey; Renee and Christopher Sifferman; Thurman, Johnny, Randy, and Terry White; and several grand nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Mangum High School Alumni Association in Donnie’s name, P.O. Box 8.
A memorial visitation will be held 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m., Wednesday October 16, 2024 at Greer Funeral Home, Mangum, Oklahoma.
A memorial service will be 2:00 p.m. Thursday, October 17, 2024 at the First Methodist Church in Mangum, Oklahoma with graveside services to follow at Riverside Cemetery, Oklahoma with military honors by the United States Army Honor Guard.
Cremation and Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Greer Funeral Home, Mangum, Oklahoma.
To send flowers in memory of Donnie Duaine Smith, visit the Tribute Store.
Previous Events
Visitation
16
Oct
235 South Penn
Mangum, OK 73554
Funeral
17
Oct
301 W Jefferson St,
Mangum, OK 73554