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BORN
1951
DIED
2025
Charles Smith Obituary
March 7, 1951 - January 6, 2025
Charles Smith, Jr (73) passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by love on January 6. He was born March 7, 1951 in Philadelphia, PA and was preceded in death by his parents, five siblings, and dearly loved grandson, Kevin Comber.
Charlie is survived by his wife of 34 years, Kim Henry Smith; one sister, Linda (Jim) Froelich; and many in laws he loved like siblings, especially Larry Kates and Betsy Smith. He was a proud father to his four surviving daughters, Krista (Dan) Smith, Dawn (Don) Jones, Nicole (Tom) Buddenhagen, and Mistie (Eric) Maisch. He was also a proud pop pop to 14 grandchildren, Christopher, Charlie, and Savannah Comber; Justin (Jen) Skaret, JD Jones, Chase Jones, Gabrielle (Brady) Adams; Drake, Kira, and Dylan Buddenhagen; Nick (Maddy), Brody, Taylor, and Jordyn Maisch; as well as seven great grandchildren, many in laws, cousins, nieces and nephews.
Charlie dedicated his life to serving the Lord and sharing the gospel with everyone he met. He instilled in his children and grandchildren, the value of hard work and the importance of a love for Jesus. He found great purpose and joy in his work. As we grieve this loss, we remember how often he quoted 2 Corinthians 5:8 and are comforted to know he is where he longed to be: "we are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord." Though we mourn his passing, we rejoice in Jesus' promise of eternal life: "I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live."
A memorial service for Charlie will be held January 20, 2025 at 11 a.m. at East White Oak Bible Church, 11922 E. 2000 North Road, Carlock, IL.
Memorial contributions can be made to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Charles Smith
Taylor Maisch
February 15, 2025
i also remember when i stayed with him and mommom in the summers every night he would come in before bed and hold my hand and pray with me then we would laugh non stop about how HUGE his hands are next to mine. i really miss him and illinois trips will never be the same without him sitting there watching the tv when i first walk in and greeting me with a big hug, and telling me how big and beautiful i've gotten.
Taylor Maisch
February 15, 2025
I remember when i used to go out to illinois to stay with him and my mommom for a couple weeks my mommom and i would always have cake wars and he would taste test, he would always be so excited to get to eat the cakes he couldnt wait - i remember another time when i wanted to play baseball but mommom didn't feel like coming out to throw it with me so he said he would come and we had a blast; whenever i hit it far he would be so happy and it made me feel so special!! he was a really good person and fun poppop
David and Darlene Noden
February 4, 2025
I/we will never forget our Philadelphian in Illinois. You will know him by his accent. However, Charles was more than that, he was indeed a friend and each time we met him and Kim, we had great fellowship together. His love for the Lord was evident in all he said. He loved the Word and was free to share it. We will miss him and the life he lived before us. Thank you Lord for such a friend.
David Heisler
January 30, 2025
Penncrest High School photo
David Congdon
January 19, 2025
I found Charlie to be a joy and encouragement during the years we shared in Bible Study Fellowship, both as an example and as a practical helper.
Pam Buggar
January 15, 2025
Kim and Dawn and families. I am so sorry for your loss. He sounds like he was a wonderful man and left a tremendous testimony. You were blessed!
David and Darlene Noden
January 14, 2025
We will always remember Charlie with his Philadelphia accent which I personally loved. But, beyond his accent was his deep love for Christ. He always spoke of Him and each time it warmed our hearts, because when he spoke it came from his heart. Now he is resting in the arms of the Saviour he loved so much.
Rick McLean
January 13, 2025
I have found memories of serving with Charlie in the children´s program with BSF. His passion for sharing the gospel was convicting.
Sue Wooten
January 11, 2025
To our dear cousin Kim & all of Charlie's family, we offer our heartfelt love & sympathy.
Sincerely;
The Wooten Family
Dena Cook
January 11, 2025
It is hard to lose a spouse of many years. Some days will be harder than others. Prayers to you and your family to get thru this hard time.
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