Donald Dean Smith, born July 15th 1929 in Bethany IL, passed away on September 10th, 2009 in Phoenix Arizona.

Don was raised in Olney, IL, then attended college at Eastern Illinois University before enlisting in the US Air Force. His Masters was earned after he moved to Colorado, the state he loved and called home.

Don worked as an elementary school principal for School District #50 in Westminster for 28 years, and was known for being an innovative and fun-loving administrator. In 1965 he was honored with the award for Outstanding Educator in Colorado. Don was a member of many different social organizations such as the Rotary, Elks, and Lions Club. Dear to his heart was the Ports of Call Singles club, where he formed life-long friendships and was proud to have at one time been the president of the club. While in the Denver area he was a member of Westminster Presbyterian Church, and since 1980 an active member of Mile Hi Church of Religious Science.

Don had a zest for life, and loved music, dancing, traveling, and spending time with his many friends, whom he cherished.

Left to celebrate his life are his three children, Jodean (Fred) Cooper, Curtis (Diana) Smith and Gayla Clark, along with his grandchildren Dustin Guttropf, Chelsea Smith, Madison Smith, Paul Clark, Cherish Clark, Cory Clark Danielle Clark, Jeffrey (Theresa) Cooper, Kevin (Jessica) Cooper, Alex (Ashley) Cooper and 5 great-grandchildren.

A memorial luncheon and celebration of Don's life was held at Mile Hi Church of Religious Science.

The Arizona Republic -  September 17, 2009