Donald L Smith
April 6, 1936 ~ June 8, 2017
Donald L. Smith, 81, of Princeton died at 9:47 p.m. Thursday, June 8, 2017, at Colonial Hall, Princeton. Services will be at 10 a.m. Thursday, June 15 at Grant-Johnson Funeral Home. 30 W. Mechanic St. Princeton, Pastor Laura Mahn officiating. Burial will be in Elm Lawn Memorial Park, Princeton. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, June 14, at Grant-Johnson Funeral Home. He was born April 6, 1936, in Canton, the son of William and Alta Smith. He married Bonnie Baldwin on June 26, 1955, in the First Christian Church in Canton. Survivors include his wife of more than 60 years, Bonnie (Baldwin) Smith of Princeton; children, Sheri Henneberry Romanelli (John) of Arlington, Scott Smith (Jennifer) of Princeton, and Sheila Goodfellow (Malcolm) of Geneva; grandchildren, Jessica Wright, Shana Nye, Diana Sims, Alecia Davis, Zita Ryan, Melanie and Ian Goodfellow; and great-grandchildren, Shane, Arran, Colin, Eli and Cadence Kruse, Stevie, Dottie and Rollie Davis. He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Alta Smith; a brother, Vaughn Settles; and a son, Steve Smith. He graduated from Canton High School in 1954. Don got his start in retail with Carps Department Store in Canton. From there he went to Pekin. In 1960, he was promoted to manager and transferred to Princeton. He was then transferred to Harrisburg. He worked for Carps for 19 years. He soon returned to Princeton where he worked for Sutliff''s Home Furnishings for nine years. After 19 years of working for Princeton Furniture Mart, he retired in 2002. Jan. 10, 2002, was declared Don Smith Day. In retirement, he worked part-time for Flowers By Julia delivering flowers and became known as the “The Flower Man.” Don was actively involved in serving and promoting his community. He served the Princeton Fire Department for over 10 years as a volunteer fireman. He was a Little League umpire, member of Princeton Promotions, Off-Street Parking Committee, and Main Street Princeton volunteer. He was a long-time member of the Princeton Chamber of Commerce and Ambassadors. For his dedication and service to the Princeton Community, he received numerous awards: Outstanding Chairman Membership Drive (1976), Retailer of the Year (1987), Chamber Tourism Award (1989), Robert L. Sorensen Summit (1996), Chamber Ambassador Award (1998), Citizen of the Year (1999), Business Associate of the Month (August 1999), and Elks Distinguished Citizenship Award (2007). Don was a member of the First Christian Church Disciples of Christ where he served as an elder and deacon. He was a 57 year member of the Princeton Lions Club where he served as president from 1977-78 and 1997-98. As a proud Lions Club member, he was involved in many activities including Candy Day and the annual drawdown fundraiser. Don was instrumental in bringing back the Children''s Christmas Parade. In recognition of his outstanding service, Don received many awards: Lion of the Year (1986-87, 1996-97, 2000-01, 2004-05), Candy Day AchievementAward (1995-96), First Place Point Contest (1997-98), Melvin Jones Fellow (2000), Super Lion (2002), Chairperson of Float-Parade Committee (2004-05), Foundation Fellow (2009) and Distinguished Service Award (2013). A few of Don''s hobbies included tending to his vegetable garden, tinkering with his model railroad display, cheering on his beloved Chicago Cubs, and sitting on his front porch with family and friends. Memorials may be directed to First Christian Church, Princeton and the Princeton Lions Club.
Bonnie and family: Thinking and praying for all of you at this very sad time. Don was one FANTASTIC MAN. He will truly be missed.
Bonnie and family, You are in our prayers and hearts at this time. Don will be greatly missed by so many. Hugs and love and we will see Don on the other side someday
Love Don and Cindy
Don such a great guy. We will miss him.
We are so sorry for your loss.
Thank you to Don Smith for being a loyal and faithful friend to so many. He will remain an important part of the community and the programs that he helped to put in place.
Praying for your family I am so sorry for your loss of such a wonderful man. I remember as a teenager growing up in Princeton with Sheri. He had a wonderful sense of humor! He will be missed.
Dear Bonnie & Family
Our deepest sympathy for your loss. Don was one of a kind…full of so much greatness. I remember the first time I met him at Carps …. I was a kid and he loved to tease me (and all kids ) as we tried on shoes … then as an adult neighboring on Church Street and raising my own kids … still teasing! He radiated his smile and positivity around all that he surrounded. I know how deeply you will miss him and please know that we are thinking of you in thought and prayer. What great memories we have and are so lucky to have the Smiths a part of our life. Heidi & Steve
my deepest sympathy for your loss.
My thoughts and prayers go out to the Smith family. I have many great memories, growing up next Don & family, that I will cherish forever. South Church Street will NEVER be the same! God bless.
I have just heard this sad news. I’m so sorry for your loss I have great memories of my parents with Bonnie and Don. Sheila,know I’m thinking of you all.