Donald Roy Smock, Longtime Grover Resident, Dies at 84

Smock was a beloved community member who served as a mail carrier for nearly 50 years.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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Donald Roy Smock, known as "Don", passed away on January 28, 2026, at the age of 84 in Greeley, Colorado. Smock was a lifelong resident of Grover, Colorado, where he was raised on a farm and ranch. He had a long career as a mail carrier, delivering mail on the "East" route for 46 1/2 years without ever hitting a mailbox. Smock was also known for his carpentry skills, building and maintaining much of his family's property, and his passion for sports, especially baseball.

Why it matters

Smock's passing marks the end of an era for the tight-knit Grover community, where he was a beloved and respected figure. As a longtime mail carrier, he was a familiar face to generations of residents, and his commitment to his community and family is an inspiring example of small-town values.

The details

Smock was the second of six children born to Carlyle and Elsie Smock. He grew up on the family farm/ranch east of Grover, where he and his siblings had many adventures, from playing football on haystacks to rounding up calves for impromptu rodeos. Smock was an all-star baseball player in high school, helping the Grover Jackrabbits win the state divisional championship all four years. After high school, he joined the Air National Guard in Cheyenne, Wyoming, where he played on the basketball and softball teams. In 1963, Smock married his wife, Joyce Anderson, and they built a life together in Grover, raising three children. Smock worked a variety of jobs over the years, including farming, ranching, driving a school bus, and working in the oil fields, before taking on the East mail route in 1979, a position he held until his retirement.

  • Smock passed away on January 28, 2026.
  • Smock joined the Air National Guard between his junior and senior years of high school.
  • Smock married Joyce Anderson in 1963.
  • Smock began delivering mail on the East route in 1979, a position he held for 46 1/2 years.
  • Smock and Joyce were married for 62 1/2 years.

The players

Donald Roy Smock

An 84-year-old lifelong resident of Grover, Colorado, who worked as a mail carrier for nearly 50 years and was known for his carpentry skills and passion for sports, especially baseball.

Joyce Smock

Donald Smock's wife of 62 1/2 years, with whom he shared a life in Grover, Colorado.

Kirk Smock

Donald Smock's son, who lives in Sterling, Colorado.

Marty Smock

Donald Smock's son, who lives in Sterling, Colorado with his wife Becky.

Wendy Smock Dowhaniuk

Donald Smock's daughter, who lives in Frederick, Colorado with her husband Loren.

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What’s next

A celebration of life service for Donald Smock will be held on Saturday, February 7, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at Pawnee School in Grover, Colorado. A luncheon will follow the service.

The takeaway

Donald Smock's life exemplified the values of hard work, community, and family that have long defined Grover, Colorado. His decades of service as a mail carrier and his dedication to his loved ones have left a lasting impact on the town he called home.