Don Smith

(From Ulmer Funeral Home)

Donald Richard Smith, 75, of Carthage, Missouri, gained his wings on Friday, August 14, 2026, at home with family and friends. 

Don was born on July 27, 1951, at home, 4 ½ miles east of Carthage to Clifford and Lavern Smith.
Don married Nancy Schmitt on September 13, 2002. Don has lived in Carthage and surrounding areas all his life. 

Don worked at Leggett and Platt for 45 years before he was made to retire from a heart attack on February 12, 2012. 

Don was a warrior; he fought so many illnesses. In 2000 he fought the battle with tumeria turning into diabetes in 2012 and also had a stroke in 2023 and from December 2019 to the present he fought cancer. 

Since Don and Nancy got together, there has never been a dull moment raising five kids. He loved dancing, fishing, and camping with his family and friends. 

Don has three siblings, Brady Smith of Joplin, Marsha Smith of Carthage, and Doug Smith of Oklahoma. 

Preceded in death are both parents, Clifford and Lavern Smith; an infant son, Shane M. Smith; a brother, Kenneth Smith; and a sister, Martha Sullivan. 

Don and Nancy renewed their baptism on October 16, 2022 by Roger Sigar at Carterville Christian Church. 

Don is survived by his wife Nancy; his daughters, Erin Smith of Carthage, Arielle Wynn (Joshua) of Carthage; his sons, Joshua Schmitt (Megan) of Carthage, Judaea Schmitt (Stephanie) of North Loop, NE, Donald Richard Smith Jr. (Ruby) of Carthage, and Eli Smith (Tiffany) of Springfield. 

Don is loved so much by his 15 grandkids and 32 great grandkids. 

There will be a funeral service for Don at 11:00 AM on Monday, August 17, 2026, at Ulmer Funeral Home in Carthage, Missouri. The visitation will be held at 10:00 AM before the service on Monday, August 17, 2026, at Ulmer Funeral Home. 

Condolences may be made at www.ulmerfh.com. 

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Ulmer Funeral Home.