Don was born in Chicago to a family with a strong Italian heritage. A jack-of-all trades, he earned his living doing electrical work. Don was very intelligent, with strongly-held opinions. He was a voracious reader with a thirst for knowledge and a love for nature. He never met a stranger and enjoyed a good conversation or debate.
On February 14, 1971, Don and Barbara were married in West Plains after six years of dating. Through 53 years of marriage, they experienced many trials and triumphs by each other’s side. Don and Barbara were committed to one another and the family they raised here in West Plains over those many years. Don loved playing and interacting with children, whether rocking a baby, singing a lullaby, or wrestling with them on the floor, and they adored him for that.
Don is survived by his loving wife Barbara, five children: Sonia Holt, Serena Seeley, Eric Smith, Evan Smith, and Shaina Tinsley; 22 grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews, as well as his sisters Madeline Slager and Debra Carey.
He is preceded in death by his siblings: Bill O’brien, Gene O’brien, Terry Smith, his parents, and other extended family members.
His family would like everyone to know that Don hasn’t made it to Heaven just yet because he’s at the Pearly Gates still talking to Peter, giving him an earful, pontificating on politics and religion.
Services for Donald are going to be Thursday, November 7, 2024, at 11 a.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 2800 Christie Drive, West Plains, MO.
