Donald Smith

Donald Bruce Smith, 92, of Junction City, passed away on Saturday, November 15, 2014 at Valley View Senior Life. Cremation has taken place. A celebration of life service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, November 22, 2014, at the First Presbyterian Church with Pastor Matthew Glasgow officiating. A visitation will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, November 21, 2014 at the First Presbyterian Church. Private family graveside inurnment service will be conducted at the Highland Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be given to the Friends of Animals, P.O. Box 580, or to the First Presbyterian Church Chancel Choir, 113 W. 5th Street, both in Junction City, KS 66441.

Don was born on June 24, 1922 in Moran, KS, and grew up in Garnett, KS, graduating from high school in 1940. He attended Pittsburg State College before enlisting in the U.S. Navy in 1942. While stationed at Alameda Naval Air Base, he served as a dance band pianist helping the morale of other service men during WW II. The band traveled the West coast to different military installations followed by six months in Hawaii where they entertained servicemen coming there for R & R. Many movie stars and well known entertainers came to entertain with the band.

While in the Navy, Don met and married Marveth LaVelle Cain in 1944 and brought her back to Kansas. He completed college, receiving his Bachelor's degree in history and music in 1948. After teaching in Westphalia, KS for several years, he returned to Pittsburg State earning his Master's degree in History. He taught in Baxter Springs, KS, before moving to Junction City, KS teaching social studies at the Junior High School for 27 years.

His main avocation and main love other than his family was playing the piano in dance bands. He played in the Louis Kinman Band, the Palace Jazz Band, the Swinging Teachers, the New Vintage Jazz Band, and several others through the years. He played in jazz bands over a span of 78 years.

Don and Marveth were blessed with two daughters, Donna and Avis. Don remained active in the First Presbyterian Church, singing in the choir for 50 years and serving several terms as Elder and Deacon. He was active in the Noon Lion's Club, serving as President, and served on the Arts Council Board for several years.

His wife of 42 years, Marveth passed away in 1986.

In 1993, Don married Ramona Printz, another musician in Junction City. For the past 21 years they enjoyed music together, traveled a great deal and attended many jazz concerts.

Others preceding him in death were his parents, Blynn and Anna Helen (McKittrick) Smith, two brothers, Murry Smith (Marjorie) and Roger Smith (Rayma) and a stepson, Brad Printz.

Survivors include his two daughters: Donna (Jim Scott) and Avis (David Wright) both of Ft. Worth, TX; five grandchildren: Christopher Bennett (Lisa) of Denton, TX, Brent Bennett (Elaine) of Tampa, FL, Amber Markham (Leon) of Ft. Worth, TX; Amanda Robinson (Josh) of Abilene, TX, and Matthew Wright of Ft. Worth TX; and five great grandchildren: Daniel and Claire Bennett, Parker and Molly Bennett, and Zeke Markham, two sisters-in-law, three nephews and two great nieces. Another great granddaughter is due in early December. He also leaves his step-children, Greg Printz, Cushing, TX, and Deanna Skultety (Eric) of Stilwell, KS, and step-grandchildren are Jesse Printz of Dallas TX, Nathan Printz of Overland Park, KS, Lisa Raber (David) of Richmond, CA, and Dana Skultety of Stilwell, KS.

Don was a very quiet, loving man who truly loved his family. He will be missed by family, friends, and musicians.