Donald L. Smith, 76, of Lafayette, passed away on Monday, September 4, 2023 at Mayo Clinic Hospital, Saint Mary’s Campus, in Rochester, MN.

He was born on November 17, 1946, in Lafayette, to the late Raymond and Kathleen (Jennett) Smith.

Don was a 1964 graduate of Southwestern High School and received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Animal Science from Purdue University in 1968.  On September 3, 1966, he married Lela Sheets at St. Ann Catholic Church and she survives.

Don worked at the Purdue University Swine Research Farm as Assistant Manager before retiring in 2018. He served as a past President of the Indiana Duroc Association and was the Tippecanoe County 4-H Swine Superintendent for several years. Don’s passion for working in the swine industry and raising hogs at home continued until his death.

He was a member of St. Mary Cathedral and served as an usher at the 7:30 am Mass. He was a founding member of Lafayette Adoration and continued this ministry until his passing.

He was an IHSAA official for both baseball and football from 1988 to 2009.  The highlight of his officiating career was doing a State Final for both sports.

Don loved any occasion to be with his family and friends and enjoyed fishing with his buddy Dave.

Surviving with his wife are his children Shannon (Walt) Peycha of Lebanon, Preston (Janet) Smith of Lafayette, and Shelly (Jon) Reichart of Lafayette along with six grandchildren Cody (Layne) Reichart, Taylor (Lars IV) Rascoe, Bailey Peycha, Payton (Tanner) Brand, Averi (Tyson) Scheumann and Zach Peycha as well as six great-grandchildren.  Also surviving are his sister, Sue (Bill) O’Brien, brother, Mike (Kiya) Smith, sister-in-law, Carlynn Smith, and many nieces and nephews.

Don was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond and Kathleen Smith and his brother, Jerry Smith.

Visitation will be from 4:00 pm until 7:00 pm with a Rosary Service at 3:30 pm on Monday, September 11, 2023 at Soller-Baker Funeral Home, 400 Twyckenham Blvd, Lafayette, IN 47909.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 am on Tuesday, September 12, 2023 at St. Mary Cathedral.

Memorial contributions may be made in Don’s name to St. Joseph Church, ATTN: Rock the Manger, 319 E South St, Lebanon, IN 46052. Rock the Manger is an annual fundraising event that supports youth and young adults that Don sponsored and loved to attend.