Donald Callistus Smith

Donald "Don" Callistus Smith, age 81, of Sellersburg, Indiana passed away on Tuesday, January 30, 2024. Originally from Starlight, IN, he was the oldest son of Callistus and Geneva (Buechler) Smith. He attended St. John’s Grade School, Providence High School, (class of 1960), and Indiana University. His lifelong business career included G.E., Bethesda, Honeywell, Global Marine, and Weyerheuser, traveling all over the world but always coming back to Southern Indiana. Even with his business successes, his real devotion was gardening. A master gardener, he started a daylily society in Louisville and founded both the Midwest Peony Society and the Southern Indiana Botanical Society, and ardently supported Yew Dell Botanical Gardens. He and his wife Kathy started Pinecliff Gardens in Floyds Knobs, IN, developing and selling new daylilies and hostas for 10 years.

He was part of a large and close family, including his wife of 60 years, Kathy Smith (Russell), and their three sons: David Callistus (deceased), Matthew Louis (Danette), and Christopher Russell (Joe); six grandchildren: Benjamin Paul (Kotryna), Tyler David (Chelsey), Lucas Alexander (Debbie), Grant Matthew (Sophie), Catherine Elliott, Zealand David, and a great-granddaughter, Kennedy Louise; nine brothers and sisters: Ann Jeanette Baker (Jim), Kenny (deceased), Ivan (deceased), Charlotte Mooney (Steve), Evelyn Heilegenburg (deceased), Nancy Abel (John), C.J. (deceased), Glenn (Dawn), and Brenda Falkenstein (Mark), and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. He will be greatly missed.

Visitation on Wed., Feb. 7, from 2-8 p.m., Kraft Funeral Home on Spring Street, New Albany, IN. Funeral on Thurs., Feb. 8, at 10 a.m., Holy Family Church, Daisy Lane, New Albany, IN. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Yew Dell Botanical Gardens, Providence High School in Clarksville, IN, or the Ogle Center at IU Southeast.