Donald Jack Smith age 86 of Lincoln, Nebraska died on Tuesday, July 23, 2013 at Lancaster Manor in Lincoln. He was born on March 10, 1927 in Onawa, Iowa to Willard and Pearl (Hale) Smith. He served in the US Army during the Allied Occupation of Japan. He worked as a printing pressman and was retired from the Lincoln Journal Star.
Donald Jack Smith is survived by his son, Alan and Gwen Smith of Gering, NE; daughters, Suzanne and John Wolford of Lincoln; Laura and Mike Duggan of Lincoln; Cecelia and Joel Ficke of Pleasant Dale, NE; 19 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; brother, Richard and Mary Rose Smith of Washington State; friend and former wife, Pamela Flory of Florida. He was preceded in death by his parents, wives; Mary Ann Aguirre Smith and Betty Freeman Smith. Sister, Betty, brothers, Bill and Wayne.
Cremation, no visitation.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, July 27, 2013 at 11:00 A.M. at Wyuka Funeral Home.
Memorials may be directed to the No Kill Cat Shelter.
I used to be Jack’s homemaker (Arcadia Health Care) when he lived at The Crossroads. He was such a nice man. I cleaned for him the day after he got Sherman-his cat. He was so happy to have a new friend. I hope Sherman went to a good home. I’m so sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts & prayers. Always, Mary Baker
I met Jack when he adopted Sherman from The Cat House (I’m a volunteer there – it’s the “No Kill Cat Shelter” mentioned in the obit). I visited Jack (and Sherman) every month for the last three years. I agree with Mary Baker that Sherman was a great comfort and companion to Jack. I had a special connection to Sherman because I fostered him when he was just a small kitten. I enjoyed my visits with them both; Jack was such a classy gentleman. Sherman is now living at my house and is doing well, enjoying playing with my younger cat. I’m glad I could take in Sherman and hope that it eased Jack’s mind that I did. My thoughts are with his family; I’m so sorry for your loss. Faye Stevens
I met Don (Smitty) in 1972 when I started working at the Lincoln Journal Star. He was a great co-worker until his retirement and friend until his death. We did a little woodworking together, a little fishing, target shooting, car-
pooling to work and made a batch of Elderberry wine that wasn’t all that bad.
After my retirement we resumed our visits via email & with
coffee at Panera’s. These conversations rivaled only by the
philosophers of our time. My Sympathy to his family and to those who knew him. He will be missed.
Don Sandell