MENTONE – Don A. Smythe, 81, of 407 E. Main St., Mentone, died at 3:10 a.m. Aug. 15, 2011, in his sister’s residence in Warsaw.
He was born July 31, 1930, in Burket, to Harry E. and Buthene G. Bowser Smythe. On Sept. 5, 1953, in Mentone, he married Monna Lou Darr Smythe, who passed away Sept. 2, 1990.
He was a payroll clerk at Medtronic, Warsaw, where he was a very dedicated employee for more than 24 years. He was a member of the Mentone Fire Department for more than 50 years and was a life member of the IVFA. He was also a member of American Legion Post 49, Warsaw; Mentone Masonic Lodge 576; the Scottish Rite Valley and Mizpah Shrine Club, both in Fort Wayne; and the Kosciusko County Shrine Club. He graduated from Mentone High School in 1948 and was a U.S. Air Force veteran, serving during the Korean War.
Surviving are two daughters, Candy L. Smythe, North Webster, and Gaynell L. Smythe, Warsaw; a sister, Jalaine Anderson, Warsaw; a brother-in-law, Norbert (and spouse Sonya) Darr, Dallas, Texas; several four-legged grandchildren, which he loved; four nephews; and a niece. He also was preceded in death by his parents and a nephew.
Services will be at 10:30 a.m. Thursday at King Memorial Home, 101 N. Tucker St., Mentone, with the Rev. Glenda Woodcox officiating. Burial will be in Mentone Cemetery with graveside military rites by members of the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars posts, both in Warsaw. Calling is from 3 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home with a firemen’s service at 7:30 p.m.
***** Memorials may be made to the Mentone Fire Department or the Kosciusko County Cancer Fund through the K21 Foundation.
Condolences may be sent via www.hartzlerfuneralservices.com
