Obituary of Charles H. Smith, Sr.

Charles H. Smith, Sr. "Loving father, grandfather, brother" Olean, NY Charles H. Smith, Sr. formerly of Pennsylvania Rd. and later Eden Heights passed away Tuesday (May 31, 2016) at Fiddlers Green Manor in Springville. Born May 26, 1921 in Mt. Morris he was the son of Melvin N. and Mary Elizabeth Whitcher Smith. On January 23, 1943 in Maplehurst he married Ella Mae Stimson who predeceased him October 14, 1998. Charles worked for Bell Aircraft for 1 year prior to enlisting in the US Army Air Corps where he served as a waist gunner and bombardier on a B17 during WWII. He completed two tours of 25 missions each and was awarded a service medal with 3 bronze battle stars as well as a purple heart. Before being discharged at the end of the war, Charles was an aerial gunnery instructor at a base in Wichita Falls, TX. After his military service he began employment with Guild Oil Co. as a delivery truck driver. He then worked for 33 years as a pipe fitter for Dresser Clark Co., retiring in 1983. After his retirement he and his wife were winter residents of Zephyr Hills, FL. He was a former volunteer member of the Hinsdale Fire Department. He enjoyed the outdoors, especially gardening. He was very social and enjoyed walking and visiting with family and friends and he loved playing keyboard music for others. Surviving are 4 children Charles H. (Cindy) Smith, Jr. of Harrison, AR, Alan Smith of Russellville, AR, Carol (Richard) Songer of Little Valley and Barry (Paulette) Smith of Hinsdale; 7 granddaughters; 1 grandson; 7 great granddaughters; 7 great grandsons; a sister Emma Hicklin of Cuba and several nieces and nephews. In addition to his wife he was predeceased by 8 siblings Melvin, John, Henry, Daniel and Clifford Smith and Margaret Chokrach, Maybell Glaske and Mary Washington. No services are being scheduled at this time. A memorial service will be held at a future date and time to be announced with burial to follow in Hinsdale Cemetery. The Casey, Halwig & Hartle Funeral Home, Olean is in charge of arrangements. Memorials may be made to a charity of the donor's choice. Online condolences may be expressed at oleanfuneralhome.com.