Salado lost a true friend on March 22 in Charles Edward Smith
Services celebrating the life of Charles. Edward Smith of Salado were held March 26, 200 I at Heartfield’s Funeral Home in Belton, Texas with the Reverend Skip Blancett officiating.
Mr. Smith died March 22, 2001 at Brooke Anny Medical Center in San Antonio.
Charles Smith was born in Poplar Bluff, Missouri to Charles Judson Smith and Myrta Dyer Smith, on March 20, 1919. He lived and attended school in Urich, MO. During high school he worked at his father’s rice farm. After graduating, he served in the CCC before joining the army.
While in the army, Smith earned several awards including two Bronze Medals for bravery. He was also a Golden Glove Boxing Champion. During WWII, Smith served in Europe in the CID, CIC and the military police. He was a member of the 35th Infantry Divi ion. After leaving active duty, he served as an advisor to the National Guard Unit in Kansas City, Missouri attaining the rank of Warrant Officer. He later worked as a chef in numerous restaurants In California, Texas and Missouri, including Harry Statkers on the Plaza, and Top of the Tower in Kan as City, Mo.
He managed Bartlett Dairy Queen and later worked at the Salado Dairy Queen.
Smith was preceded in death by his wife, Joan Claire Smith, sister Myrta Marie Hill, and son Alan Christopher Smith. Survivors are sons: Charles Grant Smith of San Diego, CA, Thomas Edward Smith of Phoenix, AZ, and Jonathon Allan Smith, daughter Theresa Elaine Smith of Camp Yede AZ, stepdaughter Zusie Weber of Phoenix, AZ , sisters Katherine Louise Melchiorre and Marjorie Sterling Mendenhall of Rohnert Park, CA, sister Alice Elizabeth Smith of Kansas City, MO, brothers Ronald J. Smith and “Coach” U.G. Smith of Salado, special friend Lillian Haverland of Kansas City, MO and three grandchildren.
Memorials can be made to the Salado Volunteer Fire Dept. of the Foundation for the Blind.
Charles E. Smith
March 20, 1919 – March 22, 2001
Charles E. Smith lost his courageous fight against burns at Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio on Thursday. “Uncle Charles· as he was known, celebrated his 82nd birthday on the first day of Spring, March 20 in San Antonio. Te Brooke Army Medical Center’s staff daily amazement at Charles’s indeflatable attitude and stamina caused six of his attending army doctors to arrange and sing to him their own rendition of “Happy Birthday” on the ICU ward.
Mr. Smith left this life as he lived it, with dignity, courage and compassion for others. Anyone who has visited the Dairy Queen, a volleyball game, basketball game or fundraiser knows Charles. He most often accompanied his brother, Coach Smith since eye disease took his eyesight over a year ago. This small inconvenience did not stop Charles from the things that brought him joy … working, traveling and supporting the community. It was at work at the Salado Dairy Queen that he was injured. Always the consummate gentleman, Charles insisted on assisting the employees. Due to the fast action of the two Dairy Queen ladies, Salado Volunteer Fireman were able to medi-vac him to Scott & White and on to Brooke Army Medical Center.
During his valiant fight, Charles’ chief concern was for those around him. Salado has truly lost a loyal friend