Donald Frederick Smith

Donald Frederick Smith, 53, of Durham, NC, died of a sudden illness on Wednesday, November 28, 2012 at Minneapolis, MN.He was born November 13, 1959, at Liberal, KS, to Jack E. and Mary Lois (Fulton) Smith.He attended Southlawn Elementary, South Junior High, and Liberal High School, graduating in 1978. He received a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Southwestern College at Winfield, KS, majoring in business administration with a minor in music. He served as student body president at Southwestern for 2 years. He was currently employed by Southern Season, in Chapel Hill, NC, as a Department Manager. He had worked for the Virginia Opera, in Norfolk, and was Program Manager for the Virginia Commission for the Arts. In the mid1980’s, he held the position of Business Manager for the Wichita Music Theater, Wichita, KS, for 15 years.He was a member of First United Methodist Church, in Liberal and College Hill United Methodist Church, in Wichita. He served as organist for several churches including First United Methodist, in Winfield, as well as, Westminster and College Hill United Methodist, in Wichita.He enjoyed travel, and loved people, especially his “little ole ladies.”Survivors include:His Mother – Mary Lois Smith, of Liberal, KS; 3 Brothers – Dr. David E. Smith and wife Linda, of Salina, KS; Douglas A. Smith and wife Nancy, of Overland Park, KS; Darrel L. Smith and wife Patty, of Lees Summit, MO. 2 Sisters – Rhonda Mansell and husband Clayton, of Liberal, KS; Rebecca Kill and husband Jerry, of Minneapolis, MN.1 Nephew – Brian Mansell and wife Kristy. 4 Nieces – Hilary Wingate and husband Jonathan; Allison Smith; Krystal Kill; and Tasha Kill. 1 Great- Niece - Mackenzie Mansell. 4 Step-nephews; 2 Step-nieces; and several Step-great nephews and nieces.He was preceded in death by his Father in 1993.He was an organ donor and his body was cremated.A Celebration of Life service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, January 18, at First United Methodist Church, 116 W. 3rd St., in Liberal.A second service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, January 19, at College Hill United Methodist Church, 2930 E. 1st N., in Wichita, followed by a Celebration Reception from 4-6 p.m., at the Riverview Ballroom of the Hyatt Regency Wichita Hotel, 400 W. Waterman.Memorial Contributions may be made to the Don Smith Memorial Fund, Southwestern College or First United Methodist Church of Liberal in care of Brenneman Funeral Home, 1212 W. 2nd St., Liberal, KS 67901.