Charles was born October 26, 1946, in South Bend, Indiana. He married Debra Williams on September 11, 1993, and she survives.
He was a Navy veteran, serving during the Vietnam Conflict. Charles worked at General Motors as an electrician for 28 years, until his retirement in 2012.
He was active in the UAW Color Guard Local 977; was a member of ABATE for six years; the Wabash Wildlife Sportsman Association; the VFW; the American Legion; and was also a H.O.G. member. He was awarded the National Patriots Medal from the National Rifles Association Golden Eagles. Charles loved spending time with his grandchildren, riding his Harley, star-gazing and astronomy. He was also an avid marksman who enjoyed target shooting and was active in the IDPA.
He is survived by his wife, Debbie of Marion; daughter, Ellie (Brooks) Bell of Jonesboro; son, Leath Smith (Keri Gordon) of San Diego, California; two brothers, Sam Smith of Fairmount; Ed (Sandy) Smith of Elwood; sister, Jane Smith of South Bend; grandchildren, Kloe Bell, Brooks Jr., Jazzlynn Smith, Maddox Richard, Brookleigh and Linkon; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his father, Robert Smith; mother, Ellen Arlene Coleman; and brother, Jay Smith.
Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, April 26, 2016 in Raven-Choate Funeral Home, 1202 Kem Road, Marion, Indiana with Pastor Mark Atkinson officiating.
Burial with military honors will immediately follow funeral services in Park Cemetery, Fairmount, Indiana.
Friends may call from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. Monday, April 25, 2016 in the funeral home.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Shriners Children’s Hospital, 2211 N. Oak Park Avenue, Chicago, Illinois 60707; or to Help the Hopeful at www.helpthehopeful.org
Online condolences may be made at www.ravenchoate.com