Donald Edward Smith

Donald E. Smith (Smitty), 94, of Moscow passed away December 22, 2018.  He was born in Moscow on October 29, 1924 to Harry E. Smith and Callie L. (Trout) Smith.

Don graduated from Moscow High School in May 1942. He enrolled that September at the University of Idaho and became a member of the Sigma Chi Fraternity.  WWII interrupted his studies at the U of I in March of 1943.  He served in the 75th and 97th Infantry Divisions in Germany, then in Japan until February 1946.  He returned to Moscow and graduated from the U of I in 1949.  Uncle Sam needed his service again during the Korean war and he served in the USAF. He retired from the reserve as a Lt. Colonel.

He married the love of his life, Ruth B. Sampson, in Boise, Idaho on July 14, 1962.  He and his late brother Wes owned and operated Smith Brothers’ Shell Service Station for 20 years, located on Main Street across from Gritman Hospital.  In 1968, he accepted employment with JR Simplot Co. as an accountant and lived in various locations in Idaho until retiring in 1986.  After retirement, Don and Ruth lived on the golf course in Pinehurst, Idaho until returning to Moscow in November 2006 where they joined the Fairview Estates Townhome lifestyle.  Ruth proceeded him in death on November 6, 2014.

Don was a 70 year member of the Moscow Elks Lodge, a Vandal Booster, and enjoyed bowling and golfing wherever he lived.  During his younger years, he tinkered with model trains, was an active Ham Radio operator W7ZZD, fluent in Morse Code, and spent time during the summer water skiing behind his wooden speed boat at the family cabin at Rocky Point.  He loved playing the lottery, gambling at the casino and traveling especially to the Big Island of Hawaii.  Later in life, he was privileged to be part of the April 2017 Honor Flight enabling him to see the national monuments in Washington, DC.  At home, he enjoyed playing Pinochle, and putting together 1000 piece Springbok puzzles while sipping on a glass of Bushmills.

At his request there will be no service. Memorials are suggested to a charity of the donor’s choice.

Arrangements are under the direction of Short’s Funeral Chapel, Moscow, and online condolences may be sent to www.shortsfuneralchapel.net.

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