Donovan Smith

Donovan Charles Smith, age 79, of Detroit Lakes, MN, passed away on Saturday, December 8, 2018, at Essentia Health-Oak Crossing Nursing Home in Detroit Lakes.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 am on Thursday, December 13, 2018, at St. Benedict’s Catholic Church in White Earth, MN, with a time of gathering an hour prior.  A visitation will be from 6:00-8:00 pm on Wednesday, December 12, 2018, at David Donehower Funeral Home in Detroit Lakes, with a prayer service at 6:00 pm.

Donovan was born on April 25, 1939, to Edward and Lucille (Bellanger) Smith in White Earth.  As a young man, he moved to Minneapolis with his family.  Donovan was united in marriage to Fern Baukol on September 23, 1983, and the couple had a son, Charles.  He worked as a chemical dependency counselor at American Indian Services before going to work for the Minneapolis Public School District in the Chemical Awareness Program with students K-8.  When the program was discontinued, he returned to American Indian Services as a counselor and house manager until his retirement.  In 2012, he and his family moved to Detroit Lakes to be closer to family.

His passion was painting, working outside in his garden, going for long walks, and helping with daily chores.

He is survived by his wife, Fern Smith; a son, Charles; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Lucille; a brother, Llewellyn Smith; a sister, Waurine Dooley; and a step-father, Edward Jackson.