Donald Gay Smith, affectionately known as Donnie, entered this world in Kansas City, Missouri.
Where he was adopted by his parents Ira and Ella Smith and moved to Oklahoma where he
grew up alongside his younger brother Mike Smith.
In 1954 Donnie enlisted into the Oklahoma Army National
Guard. He was commissioned as a second lieutenant in 1959.
He was accepted and graduated from both Army Ranger
School and Air Assault School. During his career, he was
awarded the Armed Forces Reserve Medal (3 times), the
Army Reserve Component Achievement Medal (6 times), the
Meritorious Service Medal (3 times), the Army Reserve
Component Overseas Training Ribbon (2 times), the
Humanitarian Service Medal, National Defense Service
Ribbon, and numerous State awards. Donnie served in the
Army National Guard more than 38 years, holding numerous
commands before ultimately retiring as Brigadier General.
While in the Guard he also attended college at the University
of Central Oklahoma and earned an Accounting Degree. He
later met his future bride Dixie Lugton and they married on
November 18, 1960 sharing 63 years of marriage. Together
they had three children Kristy Smith, Donald Smith Jr., and
Darla Smith.
Donnie’s father Ira Smith opened Ira’s Tire Shop in 1937.
Little did he know the small family business he started at
that time would become a family legacy continuing through
his sons Donnie and Mike Smith. Donnie passed the torch to
the fourth Smith generation through his grandson Justin
Smith whom, just like Donnie, was raised in the family
business.
Ira bought farmland in SE Logan County in 1952. Donnie
loved telling stories of his life on the farm and how he and
his father built a small rock house by hand, which still
stands today. In the late 80’s Donnie began a family business
raising Polled Hereford Cattle. He dreamed of making the
farm something more than a simple piece of land and wanted
to ensure a legacy to pass down to his grandson Justin
Smith. He raised some of the finest Hereford cattle around
and IS Cattle became widely known throughout Oklahoma.
He taught Justin all he knew, and Justin will be sure to
continue for his pepaw.
Donnie was called home last week. He peacefully went to be
with the Lord in the comfort of his own home. He is no longer
in any pain. Donnie made an impact on everyone he met. He
not only meant a lot to his family but to others all around
him. He taught his children to work hard and don’t let life get
the best of you. Never give up was a motto he lived by. His 86
years on this earth was lived full and well. We hope that he
will watch over his family and continue to be proud.
Donnie is survived by wife- Dixie Smith; children- Kristy
Smith, Donnie Smith Jr. (Shannon), and Darla Smith;
grandson- Justin Smith (Allie); great grandson- Brigham
Smith; brother- Mike Smith (Linda). He was proceeded in
death by his parents Ira and Ella Smith. Flowers are
welcomed, but donations to the Cherokee Hills Church of
Christ for the Search Program in Donnie’s name are
encouraged.
Pepaw, we will take it from here…
