Search

Age 87, died Tuesday, April 11, 2017 at Saline Evangelical Home. He was born April 18, 1929 in Chillicothe, Missouri, the son of Elmer Louis & Lucy Ann (Sharp) Smith.

At the age of 16, Charles left school to become a chef for the Coast Guard on the Great Lakes.  He was an Auxiliary Police Officer for the City of Wayne.  He began his career with Ford Motor Company in 1953 and retired after 36 years as a Mechanical Engineer.  After retirement, he and his wife, Julia, moved to Lake Leelanau, enjoying 20 years of boating, fishing and hunting.  Charles was a member of the Cedar Chamber of Commerce doing volunteer work, especially helping with the Polka Festival.


He was preceded in death by his first wife of 25 years, Mary Lou Sharp. Survivors include 4 children, Debbie Smith, Charles (Linda) Smith, Kathryn (Mike) Muilenburg, Sharon Smith.  He married Julia St. Amand/Courtis on Feb. 12, 1977 and she preceded him in death on April 17, 2013. Survivors include 3 stepchildren, John Courtis, Francine (Timothy) Egeler, Marina (Bill) Kaufman. He is also survived by 18 grandchildren; many great grandchildren; one great – great grandchild; a brother, George Smith; a sister, Dixie (Jim) Monroe; and many nieces and nephews. He was also preceded in death by a brother, Vernon Smith, and two sisters, Luetta Smith Benson and Judy Smith Wynne.        

Memorial services will be held Monday, 10:30 am at Silver Maples , with Rev. Kathy Schell officiating.  The family will receive friends from 9:30 am until the time of the service.  Memorial contributions may be made to Silver Lining Fund. Envelopes will be available at the service. Arrangements by Cole Funeral Chapel.


You may leave a public message for Charles' family, or share a memory. Please allow 24 hours for us to review your comments and post online.

Add comment

Security code
Refresh