Obituary of Donald Alfred Smith

Donald Alfred Smith passed away on November 17, 2018 in Olympia, Washington, where he lived for 36 years.   Donald was 95 years old.  He was born December 28, 1922 to Charles and Elsie Smith in Centralia, Washington.

Donald married O’Tillia Oster on May 28, 1949 at First Baptist church in Olympia.  In August 1984, he lost her to cancer.

Upon graduating from Rochester High School, he joined the U.S. Marine Corps and served from May 19, 1943 to June 27, 1945.  After the service, he worked for Bell Telephone Co. and had his own crew of telephone linemen.   He also spent time installing phone systems for the Capitol Buildings in Olympia.

Donald was a member of the Elks Club, where he loved to go dancing. He also loved working with his John Deere tractor on his acreage, and landscaping his yard.   Donald enjoyed fishing, hunting, and working with his best friend and brother-in-law, George Pfaff.  Donald also enjoyed boating and golfing at times.  He and George built three homes and knew the ins and outs of wiring for electrical and plumbing. They also had help from additional family members while building the homes.

 Donald is survived by his daughters, Dianne L. Smith and Sharyn L. Smith; and a sister, Irene Mattson, all of Olympia.   He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Delsie Woiwode, and her husband, Paul; and his brother-in-law, George Pfaff.

Memorial donations may be made to organizations that search for cures to cancer, heart disease and dementia.

A special thank you to the 5th floor and 7th floor nursing staff and doctors at Providence St. Peter Hospital and the 500 wing nursing staff at Olympia Transitional Nursing and Rehab Center.

A celebration will be held Saturday, January 5, 2019, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at South Sound Manor, 455 North St SE, Tumwater, WA  98501.