Don Laurence Smith — beloved husband, father, brother, grandfather, and friend — died at home surrounded by his family on October 15, 2023. Don was born in Muskogee, Oklahoma on January 13, 1947 to Larry and Lois Anne Smith. In 1958, Don moved with his parents and brother, Mark, to Lawton, Oklahoma, the place he would call home and where he would raise his family.

Don graduated from Oklahoma State University in 1970 and from the University of Oklahoma College of Law in 1972. He was commissioned as 2nd Lt. in United States Army Reserves in 1970 and completed a stint of active duty at Fort Benning, Georgia in 1972. Don was honorably discharged from the United States Army in 1978 with the rank of Captain.

Upon graduation from law school in 1972, Don returned to Lawton and began a legal career that would span more than forty-five years. The majority of his career was spent in private practice as a sole practitioner alongside his trusted legal assistant and friend, Trudy Rice. In 2009, Don founded the law firm of Smith & Coleman, PLLC where he worked with his son-in-law, Steve J. Coleman, until his retirement in December of 2018. Don loved his work and, as with everything he did, he gave himself to it fully. The professional success he enjoyed was hard earned, the product of his tireless work ethic and relentless pursuit of the best result for those he represented.

Don was a proud Oklahoman and Lawtonian who served his State and community with distinction and honor throughout his life. He served on the Board of Directors for countless organizations including: the Oklahoma Industrial Finance Authority, the Oklahoma Development Finance Authority, Crimestoppers of Southwest Oklahoma, Southwestern Medical Center, the Lawton Airport Authority, the Lawton Historical Preservation Commission, and the Lawton Center for Creative Living.

Don loved his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and worked to bring others to know Christ. He served as a deacon in his Church, taught Sunday School for twenty-six years and was a founding member of NewHaven Church in Lawton. Additionally, he was instrumental in helping the Christian Family Counseling Center secure its current facility in Lawton.

Don had many passions and interests. He collected and read a library's worth of books; he loved to travel, especially to the mountains, to the beach and to Italy; he enjoyed time with friends on the golf course; he was moved and inspired by great music and beautiful art; he loved watching movies; he could grill the perfect steak and brew the best coffee and developed a recipe for superb sourdough pancakes.

The biggest part of Don's heart, mind and focus, however, was reserved for his family. He married the love of his life, Rachel on August 14, 1971 and remained by her side for fifty-two wonderful years. One of Don's greatest joys in life was being a dad to his precious daughters, Laura and Lea Anne. He taught them to love the Lord, to chase their dreams and to work hard, and was always there to offer wise counsel and share encouraging words. He made sure that his girls, and later their children – the six grandchildren he absolutely cherished - experienced life and traveled the world, and he loved every minute of it. He was happiest sitting at the dining room table with his family, listening intently to their experiences, talking about music and movies, and reliving the many priceless memories they made together – and was always quick to point out that he would, "do it all over again in a second!" He was a beacon, luminous in his life and magnificent in our memories.

Don was preceded in death by his parents, Larry and Lois Anne Smith. He is survived by his wife, Rachel Smith; his daughter Lea Anne Turner and husband, Ryan of Dallas, Texas; his daughter Laura Coleman and husband, Steve J. of Lawton, Oklahoma; his brother Mark Smith and wife, Susan of Lawton, Oklahoma; his nephew Brent Smith and wife, Jaymi of Lawton, Oklahoma; his niece Amy Patrick and husband, Brandon of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; and his sister-in-law, Ann Bentley of Fort Myers, Florida.

Don, or Poppy as they know him, is also survived by his six adoring grandchildren, Brennan, Elliot, and Evy Turner; and Jasper, Cora and Gus Coleman.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to Dr. Brent Smith for the excellent, kind and patient care he provided.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Don's honor may be made to NewHaven Church, PO Box 185, Lawton, Oklahoma 73502 or to the Salvation Army of Lawton, Oklahoma, 1306 SW E Ave., Lawton, Oklahoma 73501.

The memorial service for Don L. Smith will be held at Dayspring Community Church, 8612 NW Cache Rd., Lawton, Oklahoma 73505 at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, October 20, 2023 with Dr. Chad Fetzer officiating.