Donald R. Smith, 86, of Libby

Donald R. Smith, 86, passed away with his family by his side on Friday, April 25, 2013, at St. John’s Lutheran Hospital.

He was born April 12, 1927, in Choteau to Inez and Floyd Smith. 

After a stint in the Merchant Marines, he met andmarried Opal A. Foster on Nov. 9, 1947, in Choteau. After their marriage, they moved to Zillah,Wash.,   where he worked on the construction of Hanford Nuclear Reactor Plant returning to Libby in 1949 where they built their home and raised their family of four children. 

He worked at J. Neils Lumber, Co., and then Zonolite, Co., retiring after 37 years. 

He was active with the Boy Scouts, enjoyed fishing, hunting, trapping, snowmobiling, riding motorcycles, and bicycling. However, all of these activities took a back seat when he discovered golf, which quickly became his passion. He spent many, many hours at the Libby Golf Course. 

He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great- grandfather. He also had many friends in town.  

He was preceded in death by his parents, Inez and Floyd Smith.  

He is survived by his loving wife, Opal, of 65 years; children, Connie Smith (Trueman) Philbrick, Judy Cartwright of Seattle, Wash., Michael R. Smith of Elko, Nev., and Calvin F. (Pattie) Smith of Missoula;  seven grandsons, one granddaughter and numerous  great-grandchildren; a special nephew, Tim Smith, and his family and two brothers, Chuck and Dale Smith.  

Funeral service will be held at the Schnackenberg & Nelson Funeral Home at 11 a.m. Wednesday, May 1,  with interment following at the Libby Cemetery. 

Following the interment there will be a luncheon at the Venture Motor Inn.  

In lieu of flowers Donations may be made to the charity of your choice in memory of Don.