Donald Wesley Smith age 91 years 11 months, after a long and fulfilled life, went to his final resting place on February 10, 2025 at 3:50 p.m. where he will spend eternity with the Lord. He was an educator, coach, and retired superintendent of Massac County Unit #1. He was employed at Reidland, Metropolis, Beardstown, and then back to the town he loved, Metropolis. During his coaching tenure, Don was a part of many great teams where he impacted numerous coaches and players. One of his greatest memories was leading his team to participate in the state championship in Champaign in 1963, where they played the first high school game at the new Assembly Hall. This was a thrill that stayed with him all the rest of his life and gave him great joy. The boys on the team have remained very special to him. Don was a fan of all sports and had a keen eye for the ones who were "special athletes". Although sports were a large part of his life, he was also a champion for teachers and students as he strived to have the best school system in the state of Illinois.

He was a faithful member of First Baptist Church of Metropolis for 49 years. Don spent 25 plus years teaching the two- and three-year-old Sunday School class with Norma and then went on to teach the older men's Victory Sunday School Class. He found great joy in preparing for his lessons and it was a major fulfillment in his life until he was called home.

Don's caring for the community was above reproach. He served on many committees and was very active in them all. He served with Kiwanis for 50 years and played a vital role behind the scenes for the FCA camp for several years. He loved seeing the two things he enjoyed the most, sports and the Lord, coming together.

Don was known and respected by all who knew him as a generous, loving, and fair person. His favorite bible verse was Proverbs 15:1. "A soft answer turneth away wrath but grievous words stir up anger." His favorite day was spending time with his family and great grandchildren and, of course, listening to "The Cardinals" play.

Survivors include his wife and high school sweetheart of 72 years, Norma Smith; one son, Stephen Smith of San Antonio, Texas; one daughter, Gayla Smith of Benton, Kentucky; four grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren, Rachel (Tony) Fairfield and their children, Kamren and Tyler, Ronnie (Teri) Casper and their kids, Ashton, Isabel, Drew, Delilah, Jolee, Avree and Kaydee, Julio Smith and daughter, Neaveah, and Jesse Smith; one sister, Marilyn Cain; one brother, David (Chris) Smith.

He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Emma Smith; one brother, Dennis (Joann) Smith; brother-in-law, Bob Cain; and sister-in-law, Nancy Smith.

Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until 12 noon on Saturday, February 15, 2025 at the First Baptist Church Metropolis.

Funeral services will be held at 12 noon with Dr. Joe Buchanan officiating. Burial will follow at Metropolis Memorial Gardens.

Memorial contributions may be given in Don's name to First Baptist Church Building Fund, 307 Massac Creek Road, Metropolis, IL, 62960.

Arrangements are entrusted to Aikins-Farmer-Loftus-McManus Funeral Home in Metropolis. Condolences may be left online at www.aikinsfarmer-millerfh.com.

First Baptist Church Building Fund
307 Massac Creek Road, Metropolis IL 62960