Don Smith "Big Don", as he was affectionally referred to, was born in Rock Island, Illinois to Chester and Anna Marshall Smith, the middle child of three.  The family relocated to Michigan for a short while, then relocated to Kansas City when he was around the age of 9.  He attended R.T. Coles Vocational High School and graduated in 1946.  At the age of 17, he met Naomi Jean Counce, whom he married in 1948.  Their 47-year marriage ended with her death in 1995.  He was also preceded in death by both parents and two siblings.  He died at Saint Luke's Hospice House in Kansas City following a brief illness.

Don was an ever-faithful and active member of Saint Joseph Catholic Church in Kansas City where he spearheaded numerous benefits and fundraisers.  He was a member of the Kiwanis International; the AMVETS (Korean Conflict, a cryptographer in Japan); the Ivanhoes (professional men's social club); president of the A-Plus (for employee excellence) and a founder of the Phoenix (a management advancement organization) both established by him at the U.S. Postal Service where he worked until retirement.  He was an energetic and effective leader in a variety of other civic and social groups.  He was an excellent cook and he earned fame throughout the community by perpetuating the Kansas City bar-b-q tradition, providing smoked meats for parties, picnics, for his own enjoyment, and for bragging rights.  He was a devoted Kansas City Chiefs and Royals fan.  For years, he attended the NAIA College Basketball Tournaments held in the Kansas City Municipal Auditorium.  He was also popular for his gregarious personality and widely admired for his fashionable attire.  The deep and booming quality of his baritone voice demanded the attention of everyone within earshot, followed by his winning smile.

Surviving him are his sons Donald Lorenzo Smith, Jr. (Los Angeles, CA) and Jerry Alvin Street (Kansas City); daughter-in-law Denise Mitchell Smith; grandsons Donald Lorenzo Smith, III (Hampton, VA), Zuri Smith, Sr. (Atlanta, GA), and Erik Street (Houston, TX); granddaughter Neema Smith Hinton (Atlanta);  great-grandchildren Lorenzo Smith (Hampton); Zuri Jr., Zan, Zachery, Zayden Smith; Darnell, Brandon, Joseph, Brianna, Imani, Jasmine, and Lewis Hinton (Atlanta).  Special thanks to Deborah Mann and Sterling Randolph for care, assistance, and support in relocating "Big Don" to Elliott Place Senior Living Apartments in Raytown.

Services for Mr. Smith will be held 11:00 A.M. Thursday, March 11, 2021, at Saint Louis Catholic Church.  Burial Leavenworth National Cemetery.  Friends may call from 10:00 A.M. to 11:00 A.M. Thursday at the church.

Thoughtful care and services provided by E. S. ELEY & SONS FUNERAL CHAPEL.