Donald J. Smith, 94, of Fairbury, passed away at 9:40pm, March 26, 2024, at OSF St. Joseph Medical Center, Bloomington.
His funeral will be held at 11:00am, Tuesday, April 2, 2024, at Duffy-Pils Memorial Home, Fairbury. Pastor Paul Wier will be officiating. Burial will be in Chenoa Township Cemetery.
Visitation will be held from 9-10:45am, Tuesday, April 2, 2024, also at the funeral home.
Memorials may be made to SELCAS or Fairbury United Methodist Church.
Donald was born on July 19, 1929, in Bloomington, the son of Jay C. and Angelina (Lee) Smith. He married Martha Schrock on September 3, 1950. She survives.
Also surviving are his daughters, Marcia (Jay) Walter of Fairbury, Jayne (Don) Trowitch of Fairbury, Kim Traub of Charleston, and Janet (Greg) Leake of Lexington; grandchildren, Todd (Kelly) Davis, Sarah Steidl, Matthew (Amber) Trowitch, Julie (Jeff) Read, Andy (Ashton) Traub, Jeff (Valerie) Traub, Evan (Erika) Leake, Ryan (Maggie) Leake, Bradley (Dustin Martinez) Leake, Janna (Joey) Stillwell, and Ashlee Leake; 24 great-grandchildren; and 2 great-great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents and one infant brother.
Don was a lifelong farmer in the McLean County area. He was proud to be born, raised, and live his adult life until 1995, on his family Centennial Farm.
Don most enjoyed spending time with Martha, his beloved wife of 73 years. They enjoyed traveling, watching sports, going out to eat, playing cards with friends, and being with family.
Anyone who knew Don, knew him to be a kind, gentle and humble man. He will be greatly missed by his loving family and all who knew him.
