Charles Elmer Smith was born November 8, 1934 in Memphis, Tennessee. He was the youngest child of Talmon and Elmer Smith. He was preceded in death by his mother, Elmer, father,Talmon and older brother, Talmon. Charles graduated from Lincoln High School in Kansas City, MO in 1952 (self-proclaimed to be the best dressed and most handsome guy in school). He joined the United States Air Force in the 1957 and served 22 years until he was honorably discharged in September 1979. During his military years he worked at the pentagon and protected our presidents. He traveled the world and brought home souvenirs from various different countries (Japan, Germany, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Vietnam, Belgium to name a few). After his retirement from the military, he was employed at Boeing in the security department until the mid 90s and earned his retirement from there as well. He was a diligent and hard working man, making himself successful in everything he put his hands to. Charles loved listening to jazz, he had a passion for music, and played piano when he was younger, for his church. When Sammy Davis Jr. came on he was sure to sing out the notes with a glass of bourbon on the rocks from his home bar (a must have in every home he owned) to display his collection of liquors. He took meticulous care of his home and cars; always making sure everything was mint condition. He was an excellent poker player (winning money every payday at work), loved his German Shepherd dog Bogart, loved to watch crime shows and westerns and loved his family most of all. He was an excellent cook and was known for his home-made chicken & dumplings, macaroni & cheese and made the biggest & best 'plane' sandwich that was the perfect airplane food and the envy of anyone who laid eyes on it. Charles departed this earthly home on October 7, 2020, to join loved ones that preceded him. Left to celebrate his life are his three daughters, Leslie Siskey, Overland Park, KS, Vickie Stewart, Marysville, WA and Alicia (Robert) Lynn, North Jackson, OH and two sons, Terry Smith, Raytown, MO and Christopher (Tara) Smith, Medina, OH as well as his eleven grandchildren, six great-grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews and friends. Charles will be deeply missed. "No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him" Rest in peace child of God, you are greatly loved.

The family asked that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Veterans Assistance League @Veterans Home, 1300 Veterans Rd, Warrensburg, MO 64093, to help with the purchase of much needed PPE.

Memorial services will be held Thursday, October 15, at 12:00pm at the Duane E. Harvey Funeral Directors Chapel. Interment Leavenworth National Cemetery. Services conducted by Duane E. Harvey Funeral Directors. Condolences may be shared on our website. Due to COVID-19 Pandemic face masks are required.