Donald E. Smith

Twenty-five year Gardnerville resident Donald E. Smith, 92, died April 29, 2009.

Born April 23, 1917, in Pennsylvania to Harry Smith and Emma Campbell. He lived in Los Angeles for more than 50 years before moving to Gardnerville. He married Wanda Vesta on Nov. 15, 1941, in Yuma, Ariz.

He was a flight engineer and ordinance manager for Hughes Aircraft Co. for more than 35 years. He loved to travel and work in his metal shop at home.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, and two brothers.

Survivors include son Gene (Sheryl) Smith of Los Angeles; daughter, Donna (Leon) Werner of Gardnerville; sisters Genny Slezak of Burbank, Calif., and Muriel Sargent of Portland, Ore.; grandson Eric D. Werner of Boston and great-grandchild Liezel Dietrick of Boston.

Arrangements are entrusted to Walton's Douglas County Mortuary.