Donald "Don" Smith, Mt. Sterling, Kentucky, passed away at age 75 on February 20, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.  Don was born on March 4, 1949,  in Grundy, Virginia, to parents Custer Smith and Evelyn Stiltner Smith.

Don was the husband to Deborah Craig Smith, with whom he just celebrated 55 years of marriage. Deborah spoiled Don relentlessly throughout their marriage and she was his devoted caregiver for many years.

Don was proceeded in death by his parents, Custer and Evelyn Stiltner Smith, his sister Dinah Lee Duff, a brother Darrell Smith, a son Stephen Craig Smith, his mother-in-law and father-in-law Treva Conway Craig and Eddie Craig.

Don is survived by his wife Deborah Craig Smith, a son Matthew Todd Smith, a granddaughter Madelynn Lambert Smith.  He is also survived by his aunts, an uncle, nieces, a nephew, many cousins, friends, and their families.

The oldest of three children, Don grew up in Frenchburg, Kentucky where his parents owned Smith Roller Rink.  He was a 1967 graduate of Menifee County High School where he excelled on the basketball court.  Throughout his life he remained an avid basketball fan and he especially loved cheering on the UK Wildcats.

Don also loved to fish, hunt, play golf, watch westerns, and read Louis L'Amore.

Don was a man of many talents. His career spanned work at A.O. Smith, Hobart Manufacturing, and Rockwell International.  From there he worked in retail management, until opening his own garden center.

He was a master furniture maker, home builder, and classic car enthusiast. He loved restoring vintage cars. He possessed tremendous skill and took great pride in his craftsmanships. He served as president of Shiftmaster Auto Club where their proceeds sponsored the backpack programs at Menifee County School.

Don loved to laugh and engage in lively conversation. He was a dedicated family man, a Christian, and devoted caregiver to his mom.  But, nothing made him more proud than his son, Matt and his granddaughter, Madelynn. They brought him joy beyond measure.

As fine a person as you could ever meet, it was always a pleasure to be in Don's company. It is impossible to put into words how much Don Smith will be missed.

Funeral services will be held at 1 PM, Tuesday, February 25, 2025 at Taul Funeral Home Chapel in Mt. Sterling with Jonathan Morphew officiating and Madelynn Smith speaking, burial following at Machpelah Cemetery.  Visitation will be held 5-7 PM, Monday, February 24, 2025 at Taul Funeral Home Chapel.  Pallbearers will be Willie Willoughby, Everett Junior Ballard, Heath Joseph, Brent Pergram, Tony Back and Tim Maness.  Honorary pallbearers will be Mike Combs, Brent Wehunt, Mike Brown, Bobby Barnes, Ronnie Pergram, Babe Stiltner, Dr. Michael Allen and Danny Corales.