10/19/2022
Donald “Donnie” Kae Smith, age 55, of Knoxville, Iowa, passed away on Wednesday, October 19, 2022, at MercyOne Medical Center in Des Moines.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Tuesday, October 25, 2022, at the Sprint Car Hall of Fame and Museum in Knoxville from 3:30 P.M. to 7:30 P.M.
Judd Nelson will offer words of comfort at 6:00 P.M. A private family burial will take place on a later date at Graceland Cemetery.
Donnie was born on May 3, 1967, in Des Moines, Iowa, the youngest of four children born to Raymond Lee and Kathleen Virginia (Bankus) Smith. Donnie grew up in rural Knoxville and graduated from Knoxville High School, Class of 1987.
Throughout his life, Donnie’s hobbies revolved around cars, motorcycles, and hunting. He thoroughly enjoyed taking part in cross-country motorcycling, hare scrambles, enduro, demolition derby, figure 8, and drag racing.
As an avid hunter, he spent his time hunting deer, coyote, and turkey. Donnie worked his entire career in the Knoxville area. In his younger years, Donnie worked at Long’s Auto, Kline’s dealership, and DeVore Motors.
He had a long career at Hormel Foods spanning 20 years. In 2014, Donnie threw caution to the wind, left Hormel, and began working for Weiler Inc., where he became a Senior Product Specialist.
What seemed like a risk at the time, turned out to be one of his best decisions, as he found a second family within Weiler Inc. and established friendships to last a lifetime.
As much as Donnie enjoyed his hobbies, the one thing that brought him complete joy was his daughter, Addy. Donnie’s favorite times were those when they were together, no matter how the time was spent.
Donnie is survived by his daughter, Addyson “Addy” Smith of Pleasantville; stepmother Sally Smith of rural Knoxville; brother Billy Smith of Newton; two sisters, Garla Comer of Newton, and Deanna (Tim) Wahl of Knoxville.
Donnie is also survived by nieces and nephews: Tasha, Taylor (Cassie), Megan, Marisa, Emma, Connor, and Lily; along with several great nieces and nephews.
Worthy of special mention, he is survived by devoted friends Chris Clingman and Kevin Kincaid (fondly referred to as Donnie’s brothers from other mothers), in addition to numerous other close family and friends.
Donnie was preceded in death by his father Raymond Smith; mother Kathleen Morris; and nephew Christopher Comer.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given in Donnie’s memory and will be designated as a trust for his daughter, Addy.