Donald K. Smith

Don was a lifelong resident of Rootstown, Ohio, the son of a dairy farmer and the second of five children. A sometimes mischievous youngster, Don cherished growing up on the farm and working side by side with his father. After graduating from Rootstown High School and serving in the Army during the Vietnam War, he completed trade school and started a career in refrigeration.

His love for farming never waned and he soon began fulfilling the dream of having a farm of his own, starting with a small tractor and two acres of rented land. He and his wife Pam raised their children, Adam, Ken & Kelli, in the farming way of life. It wasn't long before he left behind his 'job' and dedicated himself to being the best farmer he could be.

Through mentoring from area farmers and countless hours of hard work, Don grew the family farm into an admired operation, earning awards for crop yields and conservation practices. He took particular pride in improving the land that he farmed and was named one of the winners of the Ohio Conservation Farm Family Award given by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Soil and Water in 2009.

Deciding that milking cows wasn't his cup of milk, he started a herd of beef cattle instead. With encouragement from family the Smith children became 4-H members, and showed cattle at the Portage County Randolph Fair and later at the Ohio State Fair. Don relished being at the fair, talking with friends (or anyone who would listen) about farming and watching his children and later grandchildren, nieces and nephew show their livestock. It was one of the few times during the year that the farm work stopped and the family took a 'vacation.'

Throughout his life he sincerely enjoyed having so many of his extended family live nearby, attending as many gatherings as a farmer's schedule would permit. His love of making (and eating) ice cream became legendary, utilizing a recipe that has been passed through the family. Don never let distance be an obstacle to seeing family, planning trips throughout the country to visit during the winter months.

He was a member of St. Peter of the Fields church and the Catholic War Veterans Post 1954. His legacy continues through the farm operation which his family has carried on, members of the farming community with whom he parted his knowledge and the love he shared for his family and friends.

Don was preceded in death by his father Kenneth Smith.

Survivors include his wife and partner of 52 years, Pamela. Sons Adam (Maria) of Forest Knolls, CA; Ken (Molly) of Columbus and daughter Kelli (Chris) Heverly of Atwater. Grandchildren Kai, Saiah, and Diago Smith; Olivia and Wiley Smith; and Austin and Brooke Partin; step granddaughters Emily and Madison Heverly. His mother, Martha Jane Smith. Siblings Sally (Ben) Lochtenbergh, Tom (Vickie) Smith, Susan (Ron) Kline and Sharon Given and many nieces and nephews. Mother-in-law Mary Lallathin; brother-in-law John (Bonnie) Lallathin; sisters-in-law Deborah Grueninger, Kim Robinson and Cindy (Rich) Vice.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic there will be a private service for the family with a celebration of life to be held at a later date. Should anyone wish to contribute memorial donations in Don’s name, they may be made to: Rootstown Township Fire Department, 4152 Tallmadge Road, Rootstown, OH 44272 or the Portage County Steakmakers 4-H Club, 7900 Giddings Road, Rootstown, OH 44272. Condolences and memories may be shared at www.wood-kortright-borkoski.com.