- Date Of Birth: October 12, 1927
- Date Of Death: August 15, 2014
- State: Illinois
Charles J. Smith, 86 of Centralia, passed away Friday, August 15, 2014 at his home. He was born October 12, 1927 in Wamac, son of John Henry Smith and Mary Elizabeth (Livers) Smith. He married Ruth Lackey on September 12, 1954 in Mt. Vernon and she survives in Centralia.
In addition to his wife of 59 years, he is also survived by three children: Randy Smith and special friend Dawn Lewis of Centralia, Chuck Smith of Centralia and Daughter-in-law, Jo Ann Smith of Centralia and Lisa Jose and husband John of St. Peters, Missouri; four grandchildren: Michael Smith of Fort Myers, Florida, Kelly Crosby and husband Sam of Marion, Ohio, Lacy Lonero and husband Jason of Ferguson, Missouri and Hallie Barnes and wife Kim of Carlyle; eight grandchildren: Zackary Barnes and Kelsey Barnes both of Carlyle, Emily Smith of Fort Myers, FL, Brayden Crosby and Calan Crosby both of Marion, OH, Connor Lonero, Addison Lonero and Ellie Lonero all of Ferguson, MO; a sister: Georgia Haas of Junction City; a sister-in-law: Doris Garrison of Centralia; a brother-in-law: Jack Lackey and wife Janet of Evansville, IN; several nieces, nephews and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers: James Smith and Jack Smith, and a daughter-in-law: Elaine Smith. Charles served in WWII in the occupational forces and also served in the Korean War as a truck driver taking supplies to the front lines. He was a truck driver for Kas Potato Chip for 28 years and retired. He then worked at St. Mary’s Hospital driving a van and he volunteered at the Centralia Museum. Charles enjoyed talking about his old motorcycles and attending church at the Faith United Methodist Church in Centralia. Most of all he loved spending time with his grandchildren, great-grandchildren, family and friends.
