Smith Donald

Donald Fiser Smith, age 93, of Napoleon, OH died at Golden Living Center/Northcrest, in Napoleon on May 2, 2008. He had been in failing health since 2001. Born to Delmar and Blanche (Fiser) Smith on July 6, 1914, he was a lifelong farmer in Henry County; family farms that are now designated as Ohio Centennial Farms. His sisters Marian (Harry) Ziems and Eva (Orley) Sturdavant proceeded him in death along with an infant sister and brother.Donald was a Hamlet fan and could quote soliloquies until late in life. He appeared in a number of local plays as a young man. His dry sense of humor and ready smile made him a favorite among his family and friends. He walked to school at Olive Branch in Northwest Damascus Township with neighbor Irene Jennings and they chose to walk their lives together in matrimony. They married in Deshler, Ohio on April 4, 1937. They wintered in Melbourne, Florida for many years, with friends from Henry County. Irene died in Florida in1990. They had 2 children; Thomas Ray, who died in December 1962, and Barbara (Donald) Barkley, Napoleon. Donald is also survived by 3 grandchildren, Lori (Tony) Adams, Archbold, Lisa Starks, Liberty Center and Steven (Tina) Parsons, Napoleon. 4 great grandchildren also survive: Emily and Derek Kruse of Archbold and Reese Parsons, Napoleon and Jordan Kline, Liberty Center. In July, 1991, he married Winifred Leatherman and she survives. Mr. Smith was active as a youth in the United Brethern Church in McClure and maintained his lifelong membership as it became the Evangelical United Brethern and then United Methodist. He was active in many committees in the church over the years. He was a member of Harrison Grange and an officer in the Henry County Farm Bureau, Ohio Farm Bureau and a Board member of McClure Elevator. Our thanks for the excellent care to Golden Living Center/Northcrest. Memorials to McClure United Methodist Church, to enhance the room he dedicated to his wife and son, or McClure Fire and Rescue. Visitation Sunday evening May 4 from 6-8 pm at Rodenberger Funeral Home, McClure. Services will be Monday May 5 at 11am at McClure United Methodist Church with visitation 1 hour prior to services. Burial at Olive Branch Cemetery Online condolences may be made at www.rodenbergerfuneralhome.com

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Smith Donald

May 2, 2008