Donald Alan Smith

Donald Alan Smith of Forest, VA passed away on Tuesday, December 15, 2020, at the age of 87. Donald died peacefully with his wife Angela and his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren by his side. Donald was born in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania to father Frank Laubach Smith and mother Mildred Stoneback Smith, and baptized into Christ at Salem Lutheran Church. Donald graduated from Penn State University with a BS degree in Geophysics and joined the United States Navy upon graduation. Donald attained the rank of Lieutenant, serving as a Naval Intelligence Officer. After working as a geophysicist at E. G. & G. Inc, Donald formed Hydrosurveys, Inc, a mobile organization internationally known for its oceanographic surveys and services. As Chief Geophysicist, Donald pioneered high resolution seismic techniques and applied his experience on projects around the world. He carried to completion the detailed seismic study for the proposed English Channel Tunnel and was in charge of the interpretation and mapping. In 1978, Donald’s life went a new direction when he and his family moved to the beautiful state of Virginia as the new owner of a horse and rider shop, now known as Western Ways, located in Forest, VA. Many people to this day talk about Donald’s German Shepherds who were a constant fixture in the store and always at his side. After 23 years of growing and operating a successful retail business, Donald sold Western Ways and retired to enjoy his family, home in the country, horses out back, and fun times with grandchildren and great-children. Donald was preceded in death by his parents, his first wife of 52 years, Shirley Rose Smith, his grandson, Daniel Graham Osterkamp, and infant grandchildren Abby and William Russell. So blessed to find love again in 2012, Donald is survived by his devoted wife, Angela Palladino; sister, Louise McCormack of Bethlehem, PA; daughters, Karen Russell (Terry), Cindy Osterkamp (Lex), and Lori East (John); eight grandchildren, Eric (Jenn), Scott, Ashley, Brian (Allison), Caitlin (Grayson), Lindsay (Khiry), Jessica (Brandon), and John Jr (Kinzie); six great-grandchildren, Sarah, Lydia, Christopher, Thomas, Kasen, and Colton, and six step-children, twelve step-grandchildren; three step-great-grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren on the way. A visitation for Donald is planned for Friday, December 18, 2020 from 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm at Burch-Messier Walnut Street Chapel located at 1235 Walnut Street, Bedford, VA. The funeral will follow immediately at 2:00 pm, officiated by Pastor Aaron E. Yaeger (Our Savior Lutheran Church). A small graveside service will be held at 3:00 p.m. at Virginia Memorial Park, 11490 Forest Road, Forest, VA. People wishing to honor Donald’s lifelong commitment to family and community can make donations to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Don’s family expresses deep appreciation for his compassionate care rendered by Good Samaritan Hospice, Acti-Kare CNA Jenny Wright, and Burch-Messier Funeral Home. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.