Charles Thomas Smith

Charles Thomas Smith, age 96, of Evansville, IN, passed away peacefully September 7, 2025, at Deaconess Gateway Hospital, Newburgh, IN, surrounded by his family.

Charles was born May 12, 1929, on a houseboat in Hawes Ridge, IL, to Bennett and Mary Jane (McCormick) Smith. He proudly served his country in the United States Army. Soon after bootcamp at Fort Bragg, NC, he began Paratrooper training at Fort Benning, GA. He was PFC in the 82nd Airborne Infantry, 325th Regiment, D-Company where he was trained to pilot the Glider which hauled personnel and cargo. During his two years of service to our country during World War II, his assigned job was transporting Chief Officers, but the most important assignment he was given was as Honor Guard for an official lying in state at our State Capital. Among his many honors, he was chosen in 2018 to place a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier—a moment he carried with pride throughout his life. In 2019, he was deeply moved to participate in the Honor Flight, recognizing his service and sacrifice. In 2022, he was honored to attend the Annual Distinguished Veterans Awards Banquet where he was presented with an award.

After his military service, Charles enjoyed several years of working on the river barges. His favorite river was the Mississippi. He later built a long career at Alcoa, where he retired in 1992. Outside of work, he loved being outdoors. He enjoyed traveling, riding his motorcycle, boating, and fishing. He also loved playing checkers and would seek out a good competitor.

Charles is survived by his daughters, Vicki Mosby, Dianne Hobbs (Mark), and Gloria Welch; son, Rocky Smith; 8 grandchildren; 20 great grandchildren; and 17 great great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Bennett and Mary Jane Smith; his loving wife of 47 years, Frances Viola (Fark) Smith; sister, Ida Stevens; and brothers, Leroy Smith, Bill Smith, and Chester Smith.

Graveside Services will be held at 1:30 p.m., Thursday, September 11, 2025, at Oak Hill Cemetery, 1400 E. Virginia Street, Evansville, IN, with Pastor Johanna Sumner-Damme officiating and the American Legion Kapperman Post #44 rendering military rites.

Friends may visit from 10:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m., Thursday, September 11, 2025, at Boone Funeral Home East Chapel – A Family Tradition Funeral Home, 5330 Washington Avenue, Evansville, IN.

Memorial Contributions may be made to: Vanderburgh CASA at 600 SE 6th Street, Evansville, IN 47713, the American Heart Association at PO Box 840692, Dallas, TX 75284-0692, or Honor Flights of Southern Indiana at PO Box 8234, Evansville, IN 47716.

Boone Funeral Home East Chapel is honored to serve the family of Charles Smith. Condolences may be made to the family online at boonefuneralhome.net

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