Donald Charles Smith

Donald Charles Smith a lifelong resident of Patterson, LA passed away at his home surrounded by his loving wife and family on Wednesday, November 18, 2009. Donald entered the Army Air Corp. during WWII in 1943. During his enlistment he was assigned to the 394th Bomb Sq. 5th Bombers Gp as a tail gunner in a B24. He won several air metals and the Philippine Liberation Ribbon for his service in the Philippine Liberation Cir. and the Mandated Island Cir. He was also an AAF Gun Instructor while in the military. After the war, Donald came home and settled down as a sugar cane farmer for Kemper Williams. He was a member of the American Legion and the Knights of Columbus and a very devoted catholic and family man. Donald was also loved by many in the Tri-City area and will be very much missed by the ones whose lives were touched with just a kind smile and a tender look with his blue eyes. Donald is survived by his loving wife, Leona Smith of Patterson; three sons; Don Smith of Lafayette, Dan and his wife, Denise Smith of Bayou Vista, Todd Smith of Patterson, three daughters: Trisha Tieperman and her husband, John of Little Rock, Trudy Andrews and her husband, Drew of Patterson, Ginger Griffin and her husband, Wally of Patterson, two sisters; Pat Michot and her husband Louis of Lafayette and Jane Evans of Crockett, Texas. He is also survived by eleven grandchildren; Lori Lott, Keeley Stromberg, Connor Tieperman, Gran Andrews, Erin Logan, Olivia Smith, Andre Smith, Madeleine Smith, Tyler Griffin, Max Griffin, Trent Smith and three great-grandchildren; Averi Andrews, Haley Griffin, and Gavin Griffin. His parents, W.B. and Rita Smith, and two brothers, Billy Smith and Ralph Smith preceded Donald in death. Visitation will be November 20, 2009 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Patterson starting at 10:00am until 1:00pm and a Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 1:00pm. The East St. Mary Veteran’s Funeral Squad will conduct full military honors for Donald who will be laid to rest in the St. Joseph Mausoleum.