Charles Smith

Charles Douglas “Charlie” Smith, 81, of Carey, passed away peacefully on Saturday, June 17, 2023, at his granddaughter’s home.
Charlie, one of 12 children, was born at home in Upper Sandusky to the late Earl and Esther (Bradford) Smith and graduated from Upper Sandusky High School in 1960. Later, Charlie continued his education earning a bachelor’s degree in business from Tiffin University. Shortly after graduating high school, Charlie enlisted in the U.S. Navy and proudly served for six years. While enlisted, he was a “plank owner” aboard USS Kitty Hawk during the Bay of Pig Invasion. After his honorable discharge, Charlie returned home and was employed at Gier’s TV in Carey as a repairman, a long-time deputy sheriff and later retired from the Budd Company. Following retirement, he volunteered and worked as a bus driver and filled the role of other positions as needed for Angeline School and Industries.
Charlie met the love of his life, Ellen Powers, while ice skating at a friend’s house; they married on Sept. 22, 1960. Charlie and Ellen made Carey their home, where they raised three children, watched their grandchildren grow and made countless memories within the community. Ellen preceded Charlie in death on Oct. 22, 1999. Having a second chance at love, Charlie met Vicki Ann Hoepf Smith while working at Budd Company. The two were married on April 7, 2001. Vicki and Charlie were inseparable. They enjoyed time spent at Our Lady of Consolation as eucharistic ministers, vacationing and doing volunteer work. Vicki passed away on Sept. 15, 2022, at home.
Everyone who knew Charlie would describe him as an ornery but selfless and giving, pain-in-the-ass. He loved his family unconditionally and would help anyone in need. He could often be found hanging out at the local American Legion with the guys, pulling tabs and shooting the shit with anyone who would listen. In Charlie’s free time, he enjoyed cheering on The Ohio State Buckeyes, fishing with friends and family and in his younger years hunting. Never knowing a stranger, Charlie was a proud member of The Knights of Columbus, VFW and American Legion, all in Carey, New Riegel Moose and the Upper Sandusky Elks Lodge 83.
Charlie was extremely proud of the time he served in the U.S. Navy. Throughout his life, he continued to help active and retired military members. He was able to volunteer as a chaperone on an honor flight to Washington, D.C., paid for all active-duty memberships within the Carey Community to American Legion and VWF Post 3751 and gave freely to organizations benefiting veterans.
Charlie will be missed by his children, Kathlene (Todd) Dotson, Doug Smith and David (Tammy) Smith; grandchildren, Melissa (Scott) Zaciewski, Matt Feck, Brittany (fiance, Dustin) Davis, Zachary (Elizabeth) Smith, Adam Smith, Haley (Dustin) Truesdell and Kayla (Riley) Stumpf; great-grandchildren, Cohen and Connor Zaciewski, Dustin and Alex Feck, Ellen, Davin and Dominic Sayre, Leo and Kenley Smith and Jack and Leia Truesdell; siblings, Evelyn (John) Swanberg, David E. (Patricia) Smith, LaVern (Niranjan) Idgunji, LaFern (Michael) Feuerstein, Laurel (Justin) Wagner and Daniel A. (Ruth) Smith; brothers-in-law, Carl Swanberg and Larry Stager; sister-in-law, Mary Jo Roeder; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Charlie was preceded in death by his parents, Earl and Esther; wives, Ellen and Vicki; and sisters, Rosa (Marcus) Thiel, Marylou (James, Sr.) Gamber, Shirley Swanberg, Joy (Timothy Niebel) Stager and Yvonne Smith.
Visitation will be held at Stombaugh-Batton Funeral Home, Carey, on Thursday, June 22, from 4-7 p.m. A mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at The Basilica of Our Lady of Consolation, Carey, at 11 a.m. on Friday, June 23. Burial will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery near Upper Sandusky.
Donations may be made in Charlie’s honor to The American Legion Post 344 or The VFW Post 3759 for active-duty military memberships and may be sent to Stombaugh-Batton Funeral Home.
Online condolences may be expressed by visiting www.StombaughBatton.com.