Charles Francis Smith

Charles (Charlie, Chuck) Francis Smith went home to his Lord on October 17, 2023, surrounded by family and loved ones at the age of 74.

Charles, the youngest of four children, was born on October 10,1949 to parents Francis and Adelaide (Haupt) Smith in Beaumont, TX. He grew up in Syracuse, NY where he attended Catholic grade school at St. Lucy’s Academy where he also served as an altar boy. He went on to attend Henninger High School and Corcoran High School.  Although he did not graduate, he went on to successfully complete his GED.  Charles had a green thumb and secured a job at Gravina’s Nursery, a job he really loved. Charles enlisted in the Navy during the Vietnam war era. After his stint in the Navy he traveled across the United States hitchhiking from New York to California. He loved telling stories of his adventures. Charles moved to Oklahoma City in 1976 where he met his life partner, Eleanor Scheib, and they were together for 46 years. He helped raise Eleanor’s daughters, Sherry and Christy whom he loved very much.

Charles is survived by two sisters, Julianne (Daniel) Carlton of Elbridge, NY, Catherine Connelly of North Syracuse, NY and a half-brother, David (Kathy) Smith of Baldwinsville, NY, sister-in-law, Debbie Smith, Winnabow, NC. along with nieces and nephews Nathan, Kevin and Steven Carlton, Kim Pierce, Anthony Hall, Heather Cook, Scott Scheel, Julia Smith, Christine Pratt, Jennifer Healy, Jessica Bakay, Andrew Smith and Erin Wisneski. He also leaves behind Eleanor, Sherry, Christy, and five grandchildren, Nura, Fatima, Saraj. Paige and Trevin.

Charles is preceded in death by his mother, father, brother Franklin Smith, brother-in-law Jerry Connelly, nieces Christina Smith, Deanne Smith and Lynette Saltus.

Throughout his life, Charles was known for his love of classic cars, his favorite was the 1957 Ford Fairlane. He worked at several jobs, including factory work, gas station attendant, a lawn mowing business, but he was mainly into “wheeling and dealing” What he loved most was buying, selling and working on classic cars. He had a strong desire to return to New York to live out the rest of his days.  Unfortunately, obstacles prevented him from realizing his dream.  It was his final wish to be buried here in New York. 

Charles will be dearly missed by his family, friends and loved ones. Charles life was remembered on November 6,2023 with a viewing, visitation and gathering service under the direction of Ingram, Smith & Turner Mortuary, Yukon, Oklahoma. Charles will be buried alongside his mother.

*Burial services include military honors and will be held Saturday, November 11,2023 at noon in St. Patrick’s Cemetery, Hamilton Street, Jordan NY

Charles was strong willed and stubborn at times, but he also had an enormous heart and a wonderful sense of humor. He loved caring for local stray cats. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the local humane society of your choice.

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