Published: November 24, 2014

Donald Howard Smith, 72, of Fort Smith, Arkansas passed away on Tuesday, November 18, 2014 in a local hospital. He was born on January 20, 1942 in Little Rock, Arkansas to Russell D. and Frances (Reynolds) Smith.

He was a member of the Red Key honor society of Castle Heights Military Academy. Following high school he attended and graduated from the University of Arkansas and started his career in the management training program of J.C. Penny Corporation. Don was a long time entrepreneur in the Fort Smith area and owned several business’ throughout his career including, Don’s Inc., Marie’s and Spirits Wine. After retirement he decided to go into banking, he worked in management for Sun Trust Bank in the metropolitan Washington D.C. area. His final employment was one that was very special to him; he was called upon to be a substitute teacher at Southside High School and thoroughly enjoyed the kids that he taught.

He was an active member of First United Methodist Church having served on numerous committees and boards and was a member of the Discussion Sunday School Class.

He is survived by his wife, Marie; one daughter, Christen McGowan of Orange County, Calif.; one brother, Russell Smith of Annapolis, Md.; and two grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00PM, Monday, November 24, 2014 at First United Methodist Church. Services and cremation are under the direction of Ocker-Putman Funeral Home of Fort Smith, Arkansas. Visitation will follow the service in the Narthex of the church.

Memorials may be made to the Scholarship and Financial Aid Program at Linden Hall School, 212 E. Main St. Lititz, PA 17543; or UAFS Foundation College of Business School Fund, P.O. Box 3649 Fort Smith, AR 72913-3649 or to First United Methodist Church, 200 N. 15th St., Fort Smith, AR 72901.