Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
COL. CHARLES K. SMITH, USAR Ret.
1939 - 2025
BORN
1939
DIED
2025
COL. CHARLES K. SMITH, USAR Ret. Obituary
Charles K. Smith, "Chuck", Col. USAR Ret, Army Aviation passed on December 1, 2025, age 86. Born in Melrose, MN, he is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Joan, his children Christopher and Cheryl, sons-in-law David and Dennis, grandchildren Watson and Kya, and his brother Allan as well as nephews, cousins, and friends.
Flying defined Chuck's life, first learning over the fields of Ephrata, WA. For their first date, Chuck took Joan for a ride in a Cessna. Throughout his military and civilian careers, he flew fixed wing, float planes and helicopters, including the distinctive Chinook. After retirement, he continued to teach flying at Regal Aviation, Paine Field, actively mentoring new pilots. The Wilbur Wright Lifetime Award for Fifty Years of Safe Flying highlights his career.
When not in the air, Chuck loved travel, biking, being a "techie", and dancing with Joan. Joan extends her gratitude for the warm support she has received from family, friends, church and community. A Celebration of Life will be held on January 9 at 2 PM at Rosehill Community Center, 304 Lincoln Ave., Mukilteo.
In lieu of flowers and to honor Chuck's passion for flying and flying safety, please consider the Col. Charles K. Smith Aviation Scholarship through the Mukilteo Schools Foundation at: https://app.etapestry.com/onlineforms/MukilteoSchoolsFoundation/donate.html
Chuck loved sharing a meal. Consider helping the food insecure students of Mukilteo School District, Packs for Kids, Mukilteo: https://www.pointeofgracechurch.org/social-justice/packs-for-kids
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for COL. CHARLES K. SMITH, USAR Ret.
3 Entries
Jaci Mach
December 13, 2025
I'm so sorry to hear of Chuck's passing. Thinking of you dear Joan and family. May wonderful memories give you comfort and peace.
How you can show support
Follow
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Troy Hoehne
December 10, 2025
I had the good fortune of serving with Chuck when he was the supervisor of the Army Reserve Support Facility at Paine Field. He was forthright, sometimes blunt, but always supportive of his subordinates. Chuck would never ask anyone to do anything he wasn´t willing to do; I saw him pick up litter and tie down aircraft. Mostly I recall not only his laugh, but his ability to laugh at himself. He loved a good joke and if the joke was on him he laughed the most. Smooth air and tailwinds, Chuck.
Justin
December 10, 2025
During my years as a flight instructor, my desk sat just outside Chuck´s office at Regal Air. Whenever a discussion arose about federal aviation regulations or I was teaching a student within his hearing range, Chuck would step out to join the conversation. He loved nothing more than talking about aviation and sharing the wisdom he´d gained over decades in the skies. I was truly fortunate to work within earshot of him. His guidance and passion for flying will stay with me always, and I will do my best to pass his knowledge on to the next generation of pilots.
Showing 1 - 3 of 3 results
Make a Donation
in COL. CHARLES K. SMITH, USAR Ret.'s name
Memorial Events
for COL. CHARLES K. SMITH, USAR Ret.
How to support COL. CHARLES K.'s loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor COL. CHARLES K. SMITH, USAR Ret.'s life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
