Donney Smith

Donney Smith, age 54, Farmland, passed Sunday November 6, 2022 at home surrounded by family following a battle with cancer.  Born February 7, 1968 in Rock Island, IL, he grew up in Illinois and moved to Indiana in 2006.  Donney graduated from United Township High School in 1986 and received a Masters degree from W.G.U.  He retired as an E-7 Staff Sergeant First Class with the U.S. Army after serving 20 years.  In the Army he recorded over 160 jumps as a paratrooper and was a member of the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment, commonly known as The Old Guard.  He enjoyed living in Alaska and during that time was awarded a key to the city for saving a life.  Donney was a member of Just Jeepin’ Randolph County, the American Legions of Fortville and Farmland, Farmland Friends Church, and LifeSpring Church, Richmond.  He enjoyed 4-wheeling, traveling, being outdoors and spending time with family.  In the winter he would plow snow for hours.

Survivors include his wife, Shannon Lynn Smith; sons: Dan O’Connel (wife: April), Chicago, IL, Charles Smith, Davenport, IA, Alexander Smith, Springfield, IL, Matthew Smith, Indianapolis, Shawn Smith, Tokyo, Japan, Zachary Smith, Indianapolis, and Phillip Smith, Farmland; daughters: Julia Smith, Farmland, and Vivian Smith, Farmland; mother: Sherry Dobereiner (husband: Jon), Silvis, IL; father: Donney Smith, Sr. (wife: Patty), Louisville, KY; maternal grandmother: Virginette Smith, Viola, IL; brother: Gary Nickell (wife: Amber), Morrison, IL, and 6 grandchildren.  He also had 4 sisters: Dana Ferry and Brian, Samantha Sharp and Dan, Jessica Hornback and Raz, and Erin Cook and Caleb.

He is preceded in death by his maternal grandfather and paternal grandparents.

Cremation was chosen.  A memorial service will be held 2 p.m. Sunday, November 13, 2022 at Farmland Friends Church, 8311 W. State Road 32, Farmland, IN 47340.  A reception and meal will follow the service on Sunday at the church.

Memorials may be sent to the family in care of Meacham Funeral Service, P.O. Box 275, Albany, IN 47320.

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