Donald Jack Smith “Jack” was born on June 2, 1929 in Red River County near Fulbright, Texas and passed away at the age of 93 on June 30, 2022 in Xenia, Ohio.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Sammie H. Smith and Opal (Mitchell) Smith and his sister Mary Jo Bradshaw.

Jack met the love of his life, Vera Catherine Baumgardner “Kay” during Western Week at East Texas State College where the two attended school.  He made quite the dashing figure astride his horse, Flicka.  The two married on September 1, 1951.

Mr. Smith began a lifetime of employment with the Civil Service as an instructor at Sheppard Air Force Base in Wichita Falls following graduation and ultimately advanced to become head of education for the Air Force Logistics Command at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Fairborn, Ohio.  During his employment as Base Education Officer at Kelly Air Force Base in San Antonio, he earned a Master’s Degree from St. Mary’s College.

In addition to his employment as a civil servant, Jack also began a career with the Army National Guard in Texas where he started out as a private, then transferred to the Air Force Reserve where he eventually rose in the ranks to full Colonel.

Passionate about cars, he restored a 1934 Buick and together with his son Kyle, restored a 1957 Chevrolet.  He and Kay enjoyed dancing, and became instrumental in reviving a square dance group, known as “the Shooting Stars.” Eventually, they competed in square dancing all over the U.S.  They loved to entertain and travel. Their travels took them all over the world, from China to Europe, Egypt and the Mediterranean to the Caribbean, as well as most of the United States.  Jack always had a dog from the time he was little and when Kay and Jack were ready to move to a senior living facility, their one requirement was that their dog “Lady” would be able to live with them.

Jack is survived by his wife Kay, sons Donald Jack (Marsha) Smith, Jr.  and Kyle Mitchell (Vickie) Smith, grandchildren Shannon Lynn (George) Hite, Kyle Mitchell Smith, Jr. “Mitch”, and great-grandchildren Brook Lynn Hite and Alexis Noel Hite.

The graveside service will be Thursday, July 7, 2022, at 12:00 P.M. at Mt. Carmel Cemetery CR 4818, Wolfe City, Texas.  Visitation will be from 9:00 to 11:00 A.M. at Owens Funeral Chapel in Wolfe City prior to the service.