Donald Smith

Donald Smith of Caro, age 93, passed away peacefully at his home and into the arms of his precious Lord and Savior, surrounded by family, on October 28, 2024. Don was born at home in Columbia Township in Tuscola County on December 5, 1930, the son of the late William & Susanna (Dettweiler) Smith. He graduated from Caro High School with the class of 1948 and worked in construction briefly until 1952 when he was drafted into military service along with 27 other young men from Tuscola County, 25 of whom were selected for the Marine Corps with Don. While in the Corps, Don was sent to the Seabee Construction School and given his own construction shop and staff. As a testament to his skill, when he was stationed in Japan as Construction Manager near the end of the Korean War for five months, his shop and crew made the journey with him. He was honorably discharged in 1954. Don used his Military GI Bill benefits to attend Huntington College, now Huntington University, graduating in 1959 with a degree in business administration. On August 3, 1957, he was united in marriage with Carol Lee Latimer, and they have cherished these last sixty-seven years. Together, they raised four children, instilling in them Christian principles and teaching them valuable trades and skills that shaped their careers. Family dinners and vacations were a priority, with memorable trips spanning the United States and Canada. Don was most proud of his children and grandchildren and radiated with joy as he spoke of their uniqueness and accomplishments.

Throughout his career, Don and Carol established Smith Builders and Don Smith Real Estate. His military background and college experience laid a strong foundation for his success as a building contractor. Smith Builders constructed over 100 quality homes in the Caro area, more than 50 apartment and condominium units in the Thumb of Michigan, several churches throughout Michigan, and the development of Collingwood Subdivision in Caro. Don had a deep love for trees, and in the 1970’s, he, Carol, and their children, planted over 250,000 evergreen trees in the Caro area.

Don’s faith journey began in childhood, but it was on his way home from Japan at the end of his military service that he committed to living fully for God. Throughout his life, he set a Godly example with his faith guiding his character and decisions. Since moving back to the area in 1970, Don and Carol have been faithful members of Colwood United Brethren Church. Don served as the lead trustee for many years and oversaw all of Colwood’s building projects as the general contractor since 1967.

Left to cherish his memory are his loving wife, Carol (Latimer) Smith of Caro; four children, Jolene (Robert) Tobey of Caro, Mark Smith, of Caro, Cindy (Roger) Vezeau of Huntington, Indiana, and Doug (Genelle) Smith of Caro; grandchildren, Andrea and Katie Tobey; Tessa and Anthony Lasiewicki and Jaycee Carter, Mitchell (Renee) and Cara Vezeau; Makenzee and Baylee Smith; great-grandchildren, Alijah and Naomi Vezeau; sisters- and brothers-in-law, Jo Ann Smith of Frankenmuth, Alan Latimer of Akron, Norma Bernia of Sebewaing, Walter Latimer of Unionville; and many nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Don was preceded in death by seven brothers, Alvin, Elden, Roy, John, Bill, Fred and Richard Smith; five sisters, Mabel Smith, Mary Smith, Rose Lehner, Ruth Boggs, and Pearl Venema.

A Celebration of Don’s Life will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, November 2, 2024, at the Colwood United Brethren Church in Caro with Pastor Roger Vezeau and Pastor Randy Carpenter officiating. Military honors will follow the service. The family will be present to receive friends at the Ransford Collon Funeral Home on Friday from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and at the church on Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service at 11:00 a.m. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorial contributions to the Colwood United Brethren Church for their upcoming renovation project.