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

Donald Eugene Smith

September 17, 1961 - January 08, 2025

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