Donald Clark Sminkey, 85, of Raleigh, NC died on June 1, 2019 at Sunrise of North Hills. He was born in Camden, NJ on February 2, 1934, son of the late Loys and Dorothy Sminkey.

Don went to school at Haddon Heights High School, NJ. After graduating from high school, he worked as an Electronic Technician at the Philadelphia Navy Yard, while also attending evening school at LaSalle University in Philadelphia, PA. He was drafted into the army in December 1956 and spent two years at Fort Monmouth, NJ as an Electronic Instructor. Following his discharge in 1958 he worked as an electronic technician at RCA in Moorestown, NJ. He completed his education at LaSalle Evening School and graduated Magna Cum Laude with a degree in Electronic Engineering in 1964. Following his graduation, he was employed by the National Security Agency, Fort Meade, MD, where he worked until his retirement in 1995.

Don was a gifted musician playing the ukulele, recorder, bass guitar, piano and of course, his beloved harmonica, which he played even in his last week of life. His grandkids particularly loved his jazzy harmonica endings, even to songs like Amazing Grace. There are many memories of him breaking out into a cool bass guitar riff from a Genesis or Fleetwood Mac song. He sang in the church choir for a number of years and was particularly proud of his time in the New Jersey State Chorus. He enjoyed listening to music as much as performing it. He and his wife, Tamah, enjoyed several concerts together over the years. One of his particular favorites was an organ concert.

He was also a talented magician who entertained his family, friends and customers for over 60 years. Eventually he started what would become the family business, Clown Capers. Never doing anything half heartedly, he immediately began studying his new found passion, clowning, and Don the Clown was born. Eventually others in the family would join, including Jo-Jo, Pinky, Freckles and, of course, Dingbat (his wife). Grandkids and friends were always entertained with his magic tricks. After many years he shed the clown costume and performed as Don the Wacky Wizard. His love of children was always evident at his performances.

Don and Tamah took many special vacations together, including a favorite trip to California to celebrate their 40th anniversary. Their family vacations also created numerous special memories for the kids. Early on there were trips to West Virginia parks, most often Cacapon, where cousins often joined the family for adventures. Beaches were not a favorite for Don, but that did not stop him and Tamah from taking the family to Ocean City, NJ a number of times. Later as the kids got older the vacations extended to include the grandkids. Wonderful memories were made at Disney World, Daytona Beach, Lake Lure, Pigeon Forge and the Glade.

Don was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Robert and William.

Don is survived by his wife Tamah of 58 years, and five children, John (Maureen) of Crofton, MD, Takuma (Yoko) of Okinawa, Japan, Mark (Kimberly) of Raleigh, NC), Mary Jo Sminkey of Wake Forest, NC and Eileen Ekey (James) of Indian Trail, NC. Nine Grandchildren, Zachery Sminkey, Jack Sminkey, Jamie Sminkey, Hannah Sminkey, Max Sminkey, Jenna Sminkey, Alex Sminkey and Kyle and Jared Ekey. There are three great-grandchildren, Camden Bingham, Charleigh Bingham and Zoe Lee Sminkey.

A Funeral Mass will be held at 11am on Friday, June 14, 2019 at St. Luke the Evangelist Catholic Church, 12333 Bayleaf Church Road, Raleigh, NC 27614. Following Mass urn will be placed in the church Columbarium. Family and friends are invited to attend a luncheon immediately following the service in the parish hall.

In lieu of flowers, family request donations to be made in memory of Don to the Dementia Alliance of North Carolina (formerly Alzheimer’s of North Carolina) www.DementiaNC.org or Transitions Life Care (Hospice Care) www.transitionslifecare.org