Donald Bruce Smith

It is with a deep sense of loss and yet an abiding hope in Jesus that we announce the passing of Major (ret) Donald B. Smith, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, uncle and friend, who left us on December 9, 2025, at the age of 91. Don was born on October 12, 1934, in Fontana, Kansas, to Vernie and Zella Smith. Don touched the lives of everyone who knew him with kindness, humor, and a generous spirit. Throughout his life, Don was known for his unwavering dedication to his family, friends, and community. He served in the US Army for 22 years including 3 tours in Vietnam as an Army Pilot, retired at 43, and then taught second grade at Apple Valley Elementary School in West Valley Yakima, where his passion and dedication was evident to all. Don was a life-long, avid Kansas City Chiefs fan, and a long-time member of Grace of Christ Church in Yakima. Don is survived by wife, Darlene; children, James Hanni (Vicky), Donna Synder (Roy), Debbie Shaffer (Rick) and Don Smith Jr.; step-children, Brian Lund (Danielle) and Tara Lund; grandchildren, Heather, Brian, Matthew, Jessica (Alex), Devin (Daron), Jake, Isaac, Aundréa, Brianna, Nathan and Cameron; four great grandchildren, Corbin, Navy, Artie and Flo; a sister, Norma DeGraw, sister-in-law, Marilyn Smith, and numerous extended family members who will cherish his memory and carry forward the character and love that Don embodied. Don was preceded in death by his parents, Vernie and Zella; his first wife, Beverly; his brother, Larry Smith and brother-in-law, Henry Soptich; daughter-in-law, Elaine; step-daughter, Lara; and granddaughters, Katie and Julia. A public viewing will be held at Keith and Keith Funeral Home 902 W Yakima Avenue, Yakima, WA on Friday, December 19th, beginning at 4:00PM to 8:00PM. Family and close friends are invited to attend a Graveside Service at Terrace Heights Memorial Park on Saturday, December 20 at 10:00AM. Celebration of Life will be at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research at www.give.michaeljfox.org.