Donald Frederick Smith, 53, of Durham , NC , died of a sudden illness on Wednesday, November 28, 2012 at Minneapolis , MN .
He was born November 13, 1959, at Liberal, KS, to Jack E. and Mary Lois ( Fulton ) Smith.
He attended Southlawn Elementary, South Junior High, and Liberal High School , graduating in 1978. He received a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Southwestern College at Winfield , KS , majoring in business administration with a minor in music. He served as student body president at Southwestern for 2 years.
He was currently employed by Southern Season, in Chapel Hill , NC , as a Department Manager. He had worked for the Virginia Opera, in Norfolk , and was Program Manager for the Virginia Commission for the Arts. In the mid1980’s, he held the position of Business Manager for the Wichita Music Theater, Wichita, KS, for 15 years.
He was a member of First United Methodist Church , in Liberal and College Hill United Methodist Church , in Wichita . He served as organist for several churches including First United Methodist, in Winfield, as well as, Westminster and College Hill United Methodist, in Wichita .
He enjoyed travel, and loved people, especially his “little ole ladies.”
Survivors include:
His Mother – Mary Lois Smith, of Liberal, KS
3 Brothers – Dr. David E. Smith and wife Linda, of Salina, KS; Douglas A. Smith and wife Nancy, of Overland Park, KS; Darrel L. Smith and wife Patty, of Lees Summit, MO.
2 Sisters – Rhonda Mansell and husband Clayton, of Liberal, KS; Rebecca Kill and husband Jerry, of Minneapolis , MN .
1 Nephew – Brian Mansell and wife Kristy
4 Nieces – Hillary Wingate and husband Jonathan; Allison Smith; Crystal Kill; and Tasha Kill
1 Great- Niece – Mackenzie Mansell
4 Step-nephews; 2 Step-nieces; and several Step-great nephews and nieces
He was preceded in death by his Father in 1993.
A Celebration of Life service will be held in Liberal later in January, with date and time to be announced. He was an organ donor and his body was cremated.
Memorial Contributions may be made to the Don Smith Memorial Fund, Southwestern College or First United Methodist Church of Liberal in care of Brenneman Funeral Home, 1212 W. 2nd St. , Liberal , KS 67901 .
Condolences also may be sent to the family at www.brennemanfuneralhome.com
