Donald R. Smith

Retired USAF Master Sergeant Donald R. Smith, 81, of North Syracuse passed away peacefully surrounded by his children on October 18, 2021. Donald was a decorated veteran who served in the Vietnam War. He served the United States Air Force in the Strategic Air Command with excellence for 21 years retiring in 1978.

Donald was born on July 5, 1940 in Brandon, NY to his parents Vernice & Viola (Collins) Smith. When he was just 17, Donald decided he wanted to join the Air Force and was stationed at Lackland AFB in San Antonio, TX. In 1955 at the age 15 he met the love of his life, Leta Mayne, who he married in 1959.
When he wasn’t working he enjoyed being with his family, working on home projects and tinkering with cars. He was a proud veteran and loved and served his country well.
Donald was a loving and wonderful husband, father and grandfather.

He was predeceased by his wife, Leta M. Smith, to whom he was married for 55 years. He is survived by his children Julie (Ronald) Schweitzer, of Memphis, Donald Smith Jr. of Chittenango, Jamie (Michael) Santy of North Syracuse, his brother Michael (Betty) Smith of Le Ray, his sister-in-law Martha (Douglas) Hill of Cicero, 5 grandchildren, 1 great-grandchild and several nieces and nephews.

Calling hours will be held on Thursday, October 21, 4 pm to 6:30 pm with a celebration of life service to follow at Sears Middleton Mathewson Funeral Home, 209 N. Main St., North Syracuse. Internment will be held Friday, October 22 beginning at 10:30 am at White Chapel Memory Gardens, Kinne Road, Dewitt.

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