Donald Eugene Smith

Donald Eugene Smith

September 17, 1961 - January 08, 2025

Obituary

COTTAGE GROVE - Donald E. Smith, age 63, of Cottage Grove, passed away on Wednesday, January 8, 2025, at Agrace HospiceCare after a valiant battle with cancer. He was born on September 17, 1961, in Pontiac, Mich., the son of David and Maggie (Mayfield) Smith.


Donald graduated from Pontiac Central High School. He was united in marriage to Deanna Kinney on May 24, 1997, in Pontiac. He worked for many years in healthcare and after moving to Madison, he was employed with the City of Madison, Water Utility, until his retirement.


Donald was a devoted member of East Madison Baptist Church. He enjoyed taking family trips to Arizona, Colorado, Florida and Pennsylvania. He loved working in the yard, was an expert sudoku player, an accomplished debater and political science junkie. Most of all - he loved spending time with his wife, children, and grandchildren.


Donald is survived by his wife, Deanna; sons, David (Celeste), Damian (Devin), Jay, Derek and Daniel; daughters, Bianca and Kaytlyn; grandchildren, Krys, DJ, L.A, Abri, Jet, Astro, Drew and Damian; sisters, Christine, Cheryl, Adonica, Kim (Larence), Felicia, Tawnya and Juliet (Ben); brothers, MacArthur, Joseph, Terry, Timothy (Dee) and Jeffrey; brothers-in-law, David (Vicki) and Doug; mother-in-law, Barbara Jones; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, David and Maggie Smith; siblings, Leon, Barb, Larry and Ricky; and dear friends, Greg and Eric.


Visitation will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison from 10 a.m. until 12 (noon) on Wednesday, January 15, 2025. A celebration of life will be held at the funeral home at 12 (noon). Burial will take place at Highland Memory Gardens. A luncheon will follow at East Madison Baptist Church, 4917 Milwaukee St., Madison.


Memorials may be gifted in Donald's name to Alk Positive Cancer Research (secure.qgiv.com/for/alkpositive).


Donald’s family wishes to thank the UW Health Carbone Cancer Center, especially Dr. Campbell and Dr. Uboha, Kim and Sara, and to the many wonderful caregivers at Agrace HospiceCare for their care and support of Don. A special thank you as well to Donald’s church family, East Madison Baptist Church, for their continued prayers and support.


John 14:1-3 Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.


Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.


Gunderson East
Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
(608) 221-5420




Events

15
Visitation
Wed Jan 15, 2025 @ 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM CDT
Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Care • 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, WI 53716
15
Celebration of Life
Wed Jan 15, 2025 @ 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM CDT
Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Care • 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, WI 53716
15
Graveside Service
Wed Jan 15, 2025 @ 1:30 PM - 1:45 PM CDT
Highland Memory Gardens • 3054 County Rd BB, Madison, WI 53718
15
Luncheon After Burial
Wed Jan 15, 2025 @ 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM CDT
East Madison Baptist Church • 4917 Milwaukee St, Madison, WI 53714
TM
Torrie McCormick
Other •
It was good working with Donald at the water utility! Never lacked for conversation on the truck! Good worker and always a gentleman! He gave the best hugs too! We will miss him 😢
CK
Chris Kreft
Other •
It was great working with Donald at the Madison water, utility great employee better person. Lots of memories and stories created working with him in many different lead trucks over the years. The world should of had more people like Donald couldn’t think of a better person Will be missed greatly
JG
Jim Garde
Other •
Donald made a tremendous impact on everyone that worked with him at Mad Water. He was a great man, a big teddy bear, and had an infectious laugh. We miss him greatly!! Rest peacefully, love ya Twin!!!
GK
Greg Kolek
Other •
Love this man for all he gave me and the rest of this world. Always positive and kept me humble, only had the privilege knowing for around 15 yrs but an absolute impact on my personal an Profesional life, made me realize what was really important in life,(FAMILY and providing for them). My condolences go out to his family and loved ones. LOVE YOU BIG GUY!!! YOU WILL BE FOREVERE MISSED. MWU has been forever impacted by your presence.
KF
Kolek Family
Other •
An inspiration to all. Love you BIG Guy!!! GODSPEED.
GG
Golden Glass
Other •
I will thank the Lord for allowing me to have Donald in my life. The way we play basketball together and just hang out. Donald was one of those men that you don’t hear much about these days. In my opinion, Donald was a gentle giant. A loving father and a great friend. I will forever hold him close in my heart. The Smith family will always be in my prayers. Rest in peace, my brother. Rev. Golden Glass

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