A Memorial Funeral Mass for Donald Lee Smith age 75 of Branson, Missouri will be held at 10:00 AM, Thursday, February 18, 2010 at Our Lady Of The Lake Catholic Church with Fr. Rick Jones officiating. Arrangements and cremation are under the direction of Greenlawn Funeral Home of Branson.
He died at 9:00 AM on Saturday, February 13, 2010 at his home.
He was born on July 15, 1934 in Los Angeles, California the son of Ethbert J. and Edna May Preston Smith. He was we4ll read, did crossword puzzles, and had traveled the world with his work. He has had the respect of his peers as a musician and to those who heard him perform experienced enjoyment. He would practice blowing his horn every single day throughout his whole life. He looked forward to each job to play with musicians who took their job seriously and would say what a joy it was to work with them.
He attended Los Angeles City College and played with the Buddy Morrow Orchestra before going into the Air Force playing for the Airman of Note Glen Miller Orchestra in Washington, D.C. where he met his wife. After his four years of service he returned to Los Angeles resuming his musical career with the Les Brown Orchestra; N.B.C. Staff, Ann-Margaret’s trumpet player along with playing for musical plays at The Music Center’s Ahmanson Theatre to name a few. He and his brother, Norman, have both played for the Harry James Orchestra. There were so many other events, leaders and musicians whom he admired and enjoyed.
It was spring of 2004 Les Brown, Jr. asked Don to join him in Branson, Missouri at the Mickey Gilley Theatre to continue his father’s legacy of big band music. We have enjoyed our time in Branson.
Don is survived by his wife; Betty Lou Smith of the home. Four children, Brian Andrew Smith, Elizabeth Anne Cortelyou, Dennis Preston Smith and Jennifer Louise Garcia. Grandchildren, Brendan J. Smith, Jordyn Smith, Laurel Smith, Harrison Garcia, Alexander Garcia, Amanda Lee Smith, Ryan Cortelyou, Braden Smith and Gracie Smith, and one brother Norman C. Smith.
With the last seventeen months of illness I cannot go without saying the Skaggs Regional Health Center staff, from the hospitalist led by Dr. Sorg, to the sweet gal who cleaned up behind us, have been absolutely fabulous and caring. They went beyond the call of duty and it has been greatly appreciated.