Donald "Red" Eugene Smith

Donald “Red” Eugene Smith

A Genuinely Good Man -

Donald “Red” Eugene Smith, age 90, of Mechanicsburg, passed away at home with his loving wife by his side on Friday, February 16, 2018.  Red was born on Saturday, January 28, 1928 in Harrisburg to the late Frank Kautz and Myrtle May (Smith) Eshelman.

Red’s survivors include his wife of 69 years, Violet Elizabeth (Thumma) Smith; his two children: Donna J. May and her husband, Barry, of Dillsburg, David E. Smith and his wife, Melissa, of Carlisle; his three grandchildren: Marcia J. Crites and her husband, Roger, of West Virginia, Andrew J. Smith of Carlisle, Aaron M. Smith of Carlisle; and his great-granddaughter, Alicia Spotts of West Virginia.

Red proudly served in the United States Army where he was promoted to a military policeman while being stationed in Hawaii.  After his time in the military, he began working as plumber.  This was a career he grew to know and love.  Red started working for Paul E. Stare Plumbing and Heating in Mechanicsburg for over 30 years and then for Leggett, Inc. in Camp Hill to complete his more than 44 year career.  He was a life member of the National Rifle Association (NRA), National Wild Turkey Federation, and the Hobo Camp in Potter County.  Red was an avid sportsman who loved to hunt and fish.  He was a genuinely good man who loved to help people when he could. The most important thing to Red was his family.  He truly treasured the time he spent with his wife, children, and grandchildren; all of whom will miss him dearly.

Red’s family will be remembering his life privately.  Interment in St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church Cemetery in Enola will be at the family’s convenience.  Cremation was private.

Red’s family has entrusted his care to Myers – Buhrig Funeral Home and Crematory in Mechanicsburg, (717) 766-3421.  Read Red’s full obituary, view his picture, and sign his official guest book at Buhrig.com.