Donald Bryan Smith, age 91, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, May 7, 2024, at 4:20 am, at the Vesta House in Chandler, Arizona.  He was born on September 5, 1932, in Palmersville, Weakley County, Tennessee to William Jackson “Jack” Smith and Edna Avon Buckley.  He married his best friend, Marlene Ainley, in Dresden, Tennessee on November 25, 1949.  

He was in the National Guard for several years and then he joined the Air Force.  After graduating from special training in 1953, his assignments took him to many places throughout the world including Greenland, England, Idaho, Guam, Vietnam with finally being stationed in California all with the Thor Missile and the SR71 program.  Chief Master Sergeant Smith was a veteran of Vietnam and was awarded the Bronze Star and many other medals and certificates.  He was a brave and loyal soldier, being discharged with full honors in 1973 at Hamilton AFB in California.  

After retiring from the Air Force, he graduated from college with Business Administration and Real Estate Appraisal degrees.  He became a Registered and Financial Principal, licensed by the Securities Exchange and became the Chief Financial Officer for a large corporation.  Later, he became the Postmaster for the city of Novato, California, retiring from the postal service in 1986.  Don earned many awards for his leadership and management skills.  

Throughout Don’s life, he has been a leader and valiant servant in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints which he and his wife joined in 1963.  They were sealed in the Idaho Falls Temple on April 19, 1964, for Time and All Eternity.   He has served faithfully in all of his callings and treasured his time serving a mission with his wife, Marlene, and loved being a Sealer in the Oakland California Temple, helping families be together forever.

He is survived by his beloved wife of almost 75 years to Marlene Ainley Smith along with his daughters Beverly Ann Smith (Ronald) Bentley, Diane Smith Moore, six grandchildren (and spouses), eighteen great-grandchildren, and his youngest brother, Gary Dale (Carol Ann) Smith with many nieces and nephews.

Funeral arrangements were provided by the Legacy Funeral Home in Mesa, Arizona, with a military burial at the Arizona Veterans Memorial Cemetary in Phoenix, Arizona.  Those desiring to contribute should choose a favorite charity like St. Jude’s Hospital, Shriner Children’s Hospital or the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Humanitarian Fund.  

Any condolence cards can be mailed to Marlene Smith C/O Ron and Bev Bentley at 2907 N Platina, Mesa, AZ 85215