FIND AN OBITUARY
Service information is posted on our website only with approval from the family.
If you are seeking information not listed below, please contact us.
Charles Ellis Smith
01/13/1926 — 10/29/2010
From Kennewick, WA, US | Born in Kennewick, WA
Charles Ellis Smith
Charles E. Smith
Charles Ellis Chick Smith was born to Herschel and Alda Smith on January 13, 1926. He was born at home on their farm in the Kennewick Highlands- the third child of ten.
He attended Kennewick schools and was the starting center on the high school basketball team, making it to state in 1944 and graduated in June.
He was inducted into the Army that same year as private first class rifleman, Company K 376th infantry and served in the European Theater in battles in Ardennes and Rhineland. For his service, he was awarded the ETO ribbon with two stars European Theater of Operation, the Purple Heart, and Good Conduct Medal. In September of 2010, he was awarded the Bronze Star.
He attended Gonzaga on the GI Bill, and met Frances Vosahlo, a nursing student at Sacred Heart. They were married in the Spokane Sacred Heart Parish on August 25, 1951.
Chick taught and coached for 30 years in the Kennewick School District until he retired in 1982. He and Frances traveled extensively in their motor home, and visited all 50 states. Chick and Frances were avid square dancers for many years. He was past state president of the Washington State Square Dancers Association.
Chick lost Frances, his wife of 54 years, to cancer in 2006.
Chick passed away in Richland, Washington on October 29, 2010 at age 84. He was preceded in death by parents, Herschel and Alda, wife Frances, and brothers, Allen, Ed and Jim.
He is survived by his children Steve Cherie, Tim, Pat Terry, Mark Julie, Mary Schierman John and Jeff Tammy; grandchildren Brianne, Lindsey, Paul, Stacey, Megan, Ben, Emily, Kayla and Blake; siblings, Ida Phipps, Wilma Mundt, Bill Smith Carrie, Marlene Whitright Bob, Marilyn Midgett, and Margaret Crawford Lyle.
Rosary will be Thursday, November 4, 6:30 p.m. at St. Joseph's Chapel, 520 S Garfield, Kennewick.
Funeral service will be held at St Joseph's Catholic Church Friday, November 5, 2010 at 2:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers donations may be sent to the Disabled Veterans or to the Tri-Cities Cancer Center.
My heart goes out to the Smith family.Your dad was my 7th grade teacher at Highlands Middle School in 1971.I was falling into the wrong crowd at school and one day after I pulled a prank in his class,”Mr. Smith” pulled me into the hallway & made a statement I never forgot. He said,”Jeff,the world is full of leaders & followers, which one are you going to be?” The next year I was elected ASB President,& the following year ASB President @ Kamiakin High School.I attened E.W.U, then a 4 yr. apprentice program with 598 Plumbers & Steamfitters.It has been a very successful career and I retired at 50 from the field after 15 years in upper management. I’ve been teaching at our hall now for the past 13 years & plan on teaching many many more years to come. My success is largely due to the stern kindness & Chick’s ability to reach me when/where no other adult was able to. I am truly a blessed man because of him & will ALWAYS continue to think of him.
Our hearts go out to Chick’s family
I really enjoyed working with your dad recently on his Bronze Star. He was a brave soldier. He went on to have a nice family and serve his community for many years. It was a pleasure to meet all of you.
Guestbook for
Charles Ellis Smith