Donald C. Smith

Donald C. Smith passed away peacefully on the afternoon of May 10, 2024, at the age of 81 years, 8 months, 9 days.

Donald was preceded in death by his loving wife of 58 years, Nancy; Parents Elmer and Loretta Smith; Brothers Walter and Robert Smith; Sister Beverly Oltman; their infant son Douglas and many dear sisters and brothers in laws.

He is survived by his daughter Sheila (Robert) Brazda; sons Daniel (Laurie) Smith and Ronald (Linda) Smith; grandchildren Justin (Laura) Smith, Heather (Brett) Kaiser and Stephanie (Schuyler) Rhodes; great-grandson Brigham Kaiser; great-granddaughter Maddox Kaiser; sisters Delores (Dave) Barber, Carol Hobbs, brothers Emmett (Phyllis) Smith, Paul (Shirley) Smith and many nieces, nephews, cousins and many great friends.

Donald was born August 31, 1942, the 7th of 8 children born to Elmer and Loretta.  He had so many great memories and stories he would tell of growing up in Bellevue, NE.  He always had a story for everyone visiting him.  And always a joke to tell.

Don was a resident at Brookestone of Papillion Nursing Home.  He had the best team of caregivers at Brookestone along with CHI Hospice.  They all deeply loved him, his sense of humor and his huge heart.  He would tell them thank you daily and truly appreciated all they did for him in the almost 5 years after the loss of Nancy.

Don was an electrician and member of IBEW #22 Electrical Union, earning his 60-year membership pin.  After working many years as an electrician, he joined Electric Company of Omaha in 1982 as one of the first partners and Service Manager for 20 years.  He retired early to care for Nancy, the true love of his life.

Don was an active member of the Springfield First United Methodist Church where he would say Nancy volunteered him for many things including taking over children’s sermons when the Pastor needed help one year.  He was a vital part of the team in the remodel and addition of the church in 1991 along with his brother Paul.  Don and Nancy were the youth group leaders for many years.  They made many lasting memories for all of the youth over the years.

Don said when Nancy had passed, he was glad he didn’t go first.  He would have never wanted Nancy to feel the sadness that he did.  He said he had a great life because of her.  We all had a great life because of them both.  Don was an amazing brother, husband, father, grandfather, uncle and friend.  He is greatly missed by all his family and friends.  He touched so many hearts and was loved by so many.