In the early morning hours of Friday, June 26th, 2020, the world lost a rare and remarkable man when our beloved husband, father, and grandfather, Don Mann Smith, passed away unexpectedly while at home.

Don’s whole life was filled with service to others with no thought for himself. He was born on August 20, 1948 to Don and Arlene Smith in Salt Lake City, Utah and he was very close to his older sister Rosemary (Smitty).  Growing up, he loved the outdoors, football, and generally getting into trouble. He graduated from Davis High School with the Class of ‘66 and joined the United States Marine Corps, signing up (much to his mother’s dismay) on his 18th birthday.  He served in Vietnam with the 1st Force Reconnaissance Battalion, USMC 1967-1968. A Purple Heart recipient, his service while in the Corps was a lifelong source of pride. Semper Fidelis!

In 1969, following his return from Vietnam and while working at Lagoon, he met his sweetheart, Denise Wilcox, of Clearfield. Don said he knew from the first moment he saw Denise that she was the one for him and informed her current boyfriend of the fact. After some convincing, Denise agreed and they shared a whirlwind summer romance that led to a Temple Sealing in Salt Lake City in December of that year. They lived for, served, and adored each other every single day for 51 years. They were delighted to welcome their children Jenny (Bryan) Nielsen, Adam (Lesli) Smith, Rebecca (David) Riding, Benjamin (Mariah) Smith, Levi (Ashlee) Smith, and Jared (Audrey) Smith into their home and intentionally filled it with love, service, and kindness. Don also loved his animals and they loved him back.

Don was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served in many leadership capacities, but he was especially gifted in his service with the young men and Boy Scouts of America. He loved serving as a Seventy in Texas and in bishoprics in Idaho and Utah. Perhaps the calling that most showed who he truly was was a home teacher who really loved the families he served. There was no service too small or beneath his notice.

Throughout his life Don overcame some tremendous challenges. Profoundly dyslexic, but with unrelenting perseverance and determination, he completed the Pathways program of the Church and will receive his Bachelor’s Degree posthumously from BYU Idaho, an accomplishment his family deeply admires. It is a wonderful example of the man he was and, we believe, continues to be.  His service in Vietnam left deep and lasting wounds that he endured to the very end, but he continued to be an amazing husband, father, and grandpa. He will be truly missed by his wife, children, and 18 grandchildren: Grace, Gretchen, CharlieAnne, Addison, Eleanor, Lafe, Emily, Caleb, Ainsley, Lucy, Maggie, Evelyn, Ezrie, Mercedies, Liam, Aiden, and Eugene with one more grandson expected this fall. We love you, Grandpa Don. He also leaves behind nephews Troy and Todd, and niece Tisa.

A public viewing will be held on Tuesday, June 30, 2020 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at the Walker Funeral Home in Payson UT (587 S 100 W, Payson, UT 84651). A graveside service will be held at 11:30 am in the Salem Cemetery on Wednesday July 1, 2020 (130 East 965 South, Salem, UT). Face masks are recommended for anyone attending the viewing or graveside service. Thank you for your cooperation.

In lieu of flowers, Don would love donations to be made to BYU-Idaho Need-based Financial Aid. https://donate.churchofjesuschrist.org/