Donald Eugene "Don" Smith, age 78 of The Plains, former of New Lexington, died Wednesday, Dec. 12, 2018 at Fairfield Medical Center, Lancaster. Born June 10, 1940 in New Lexington, he was the son of the late Charles F. & Florence C. Flowers Smith.

A graduate of New Lexington High School, he retired from Rockwell International, Newark after 34 years of service.  He proudly served in the U.S. Army for 27 years.  He was a Vietnam Veteran and retired from the Army as a Master Sergeant.  He was a member of Knight of Columbus 1065, VFW 2806, American Legion 21, AMVETS 53 (Post Commander) and was a District Commander of District 21 of the AMVETS.  He was a member of the Ohio Democratic Party and a lifetime member of PERS Association.

Don is survived by three daughters, Christina (Tim) Kelly of Nelsonville, Jackie (Ronald) Courtney of The Plains and Dawn (Curtis) Miller of Crooksville; a daughter in law, Cheryl Krivesti of The Plains; three sons, James Blackford of Athens, Thomas Blackford of Athens and Christopher J. (Tricia) Smith of Shade; thirteen grandchildren, David, Lakota, Chyanne, Willow, Tommy, Tina, Terra, Cassie, Erik, Christopher, Katelyn, Carson and Caden; six great grandchildren, Freddy, Rebbecca, James, Dillon, Hanna and Charlie.

Besides his parents he is preceded in death by his wife of twenty five years, Janice O. Stalder Smith in 2009; a son, Charles R. "Tank" Blackford; a great grandson, Timmy; three brothers, Joseph E. (Betty) Smith, Raymond R. Smith and Albert L. Smith; and a twin brother, Ronald V. Smith.

Funeral service will be conducted Monday at 2:00 p.m. at Jagers & Sons Funeral Home, Athens with Pastor Tim Kelly, son in law, officiating.  Burial will be in Connett Cemetery, York Twp. Friends may call Sunday 5-8 p.m. at the funeral home.  Military Rites will be conducted by K.T. Crossen Post 21 American Legion and VFW Post 9893 Honor Guards at the cemetery.  In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to Fairhope Hospice, 282 Sells Rd., Lancaster, OH 43130.  Please share a memory, a note of condolence or sign the online register book at www.jagersfuneralhome.com.