Don Smith

Don William Smith, 85, of Lancaster, passed away Friday, November 10th at The Pickering House after his long battle with pancreatic cancer. He was born in Lancaster, October 5th, 1938, to the late William and Iva (Cottrill) Smith and grew up a farm boy, earning the nickname Country Jake. Don graduated from Lancaster High School in 1956. He was employed at Diamond Power Specialty Corp as a draftsman, where he worked his way up to Senior Engineering Technical Specialist and retired after 45 years of service. He also worked in the evenings, for over 20 years, assembling motorcycles for Joe Carson Honda. Don enjoyed enduro motorcycle riding all over Ohio. He was a dedicated father to his boys, taking them camping, fishing, boating, and hunting. He remained an avid hunter and fisherman his entire life and spent nearly every weekend in the Hocking Hills at the family farm.

Don was preceded in death by his wife, Leanne; his son, Mikel Lee, and his brother, Glenist.

He is survived by his son, Steven Smith; son, Don Eric (Sunday) Smith; sister, Ruah Jean Elder; grandson, Mikel Lee II; granddaughter, Meagan (Sri) Arepalli; and great-grandchildren, Humsini and Mukunda Arepalli.

A Visitation will be held on Tuesday, November 14th, 2023 from 5PM-8PM at the HALTEMAN-FETT & DYER FUNERAL HOME. A Private Graveside will be held at Maple Grove at a later date.