Charles Smith

Charles Edward Smith, age 83, beloved by all who knew him, passed away Thursday, July 7, 2016.

There will be a visitation from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., Monday, July 11, 2016 at Hamilton’s Funeral Home, 605 Lyon Street, Des Moines. Funeral services will begin at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, July 12, 2016 at Woodland Hills Church of Christ, 2484 SE 68th St, Pleasant Hill, followed by a luncheon. Charles will be laid to rest at Oakwood Cemetery in Pleasant Hill.

Charles was born March 10, 1933 in Des Moines, Iowa to Clarence and Dolly (Rector) Smith. He served during the Korean War as a bomb disposal expert, stationed in Austria. He was a member of the American Legion, Post 42, Ankeny. One of his special memories was going to Washington D.C. with other Korean War Veterans to be honored for their service.

He was a gentleman through and through, always conducting himself as a Christian, demonstrating love and care towards others. He loved fishing and was an avid outdoorsman. He liked gardening and flowers and his dogs were a part of the family. He loved them and they were devoted to him. He wore many “hats” in his lifetime and as a younger man, enjoyed taking his daughters fishing and hunting.

Charles attended Woodland Hill Church of Christ in Pleasant Hill, and more recently First Church of Christ in Ankeny. He attended and was ordained as a deacon in the Baptist church in Camdenton, MO and enjoyed working in the church and helping minister to people.

Charles felt much joy in life and spent his days laughing and making other people laugh. He spread joy wherever he went and always had a grin on his face. He was fun-loving, playful, and mischievous and loved to tell jokes. His non-stop sense of humor kept him youthful and he loved spending time with his family and friends.

Charles is survived by his wife of 62 years, Jacqueline “Jackie” (Ellis) Smith. They were neighbors as children and knew each other since the 3rd grade. They were married on September 5, 1953. He is also lovingly remembered by his daughters, Brenda (Jim) LaJeunesse of Camdenton, MO, Karen (Bob) Jeppesen of Des Moines, Sharon (Jason) Douglas of West Des Moines, and Kathy (Tom Jr.) Arpy of Winterset; sixteen grandchildren; 41 great-grandchildren; and four great-great-grandchildren. Survivors also include his sister, Wilma Jane Morrison of Checotah, OK; sister-in-law, Dorothea June Smith of Lebanon, MO; brother-in-law, F.D. Sexton of Checotah, OK; as well as many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Robert Smith; sister, Nancy Sexton; grandson, Riley Heller; and great-grandson, Cole Haan.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the family for a future designation.

Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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