Obituaries

Donald “Don” Roy Smith, 86, of Erlanger, passed away peacefully on February 21, 2026. Don was a proud Airforce veteran where he served from July 1957 – August 1963.

Don was a wonderful, giving, kind, and gentle man — truly God’s gift to his beloved wife, Gayle, and a steady teammate in life and faith. He loved Jesus with his whole heart and lived that faith out daily. A devoted man of prayer, Don loved the Lord and loved people. He was known as the “hugger” at Life Point Church, where he was a member for many years.

Family meant everything to Don. He was a proud and loving father and grandfather who delighted in the accomplishments and lives of his children and grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife of 25 years, Gayle Smith; his sons, Michael Kendrick, Bobby Wilson, Dennis Smith, Randy Smith; his step-daughters, Paula Reavely, Stephanie Street, and Joanna Jupp; 18 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; and his brother, Jerry Smith.

He was preceded in death by his late wife, Eleanor Smith; son, Mark Smith; and his parents, Roy and Marcella Smith.

Don will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, February 25, 2026 from 12pm to 1pm at Linnemann Funeral Homes, Erlanger. Services will immediately follow at 1pm. Don will be laid to rest at Forest Lawn Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers donations can be made in Don’s name to St Jude’s Children Research Hospital.