Donald Clarence Smith

Donald Clarence Smith, age 86, of Pickford, Michigan and formerly of Wheeler, Michigan, passed away February 13, 2019, at his home in Pickford. He was born on May 25, 1932, to Gerald Emery and Lula Mae (Holden) Smith. Don grew up in Edgewood, Michigan, and attended Ithaca High School. His love of farming began when he was just a boy on his family farm and carried through his entire life. He met his wife of 65 years, Helen Silhavy in Alma, Michigan. They settled in Edgewood where they raised their children and farmed for over 30 years. During this time he operated a trucking company, hauling livestock all over the United States. He had an honorable work ethic which he passed onto his sons; whom continue to carry on his legacy through their livelihoods to this day. In 1987, Don and Helen moved to Pickford, where they started a farm on Pennington Road. Don loved the Upper Peninsula for its abundance of pasture and solidarity and laid-back atmosphere. He especially was fond of spending his summers on the tractor baling hay. Don enjoyed snowmobiling, hunting, and riding his three-wheeler every night to check the livestock. He was always staying busy with all his projects or helping his neighbors with theirs. He loved to chat and tell stories of his trucking days. His grandchildren and great-grandchildren brought him joy and he loved to pick on them. Don was a very hard worker and was fortunate enough to work until the day he passed and he wouldn’t have wanted it any other way. He was a very giving man, never looking back with regret. He enjoyed helping the underdog succeed. He was a one of a kind; chances are it would only take meeting him once to never forget him. He will be greatly missed by many. Don is survived by his wife, Helen Smith: sons, Wendell Smith of Wheeler, Michigan, and Everett (Tracy) Smith of Breckenridge, Michigan; grandchildren, Austin (Breu) Smith, Kyle Smith, Stephanie (Chance) Smith-Boettcher, Michelle Smith, and Lacy Morris; great-grandchildren, Brooklynn and Wyatt; and sister, Gloria Wetzel of Charlotte, Michigan. Don was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Judy Smith; daughter-in-law, Laurie Smith; and brother, Douglas (Alice) Smith. A Memorial Service will be held in the Lower Peninsula at Lafayette Presbyterian Church, 8026 St. Charles Road, in Ithaca on Saturday, February 23, 2019, at 11 A.M. with Pastor Doyle Perry officiating. A Memorial Service in the Upper Peninsula will be held at a later date.

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Donald Clarence Smith

May 25, 1932 - February 13, 2019