Obituary of Charles E. Smith

CHARLES E. SMITH Charles Elman Smith passed away on May 8, 2013 in Vancouver at the age of 95. He was born on October 12, 1917 in Portland, OR to Charles and Beulah Faulkner Smith. Charles graduated from Scio High School and enlisted in the Army serving in the Infantry. After his discharge he married Estella Barratt on August 18, 1939 in Camas. He went to work at the Crown Zellerbach paper mill in 1940. Charles was drafted back into the Army during WWII and achieved the rank of Corporal. After his second discharge he returned to Camas and the paper mill where he worked for 39 years. He and Estella raised two children who have remained close to this day. Charles was a member of the 49er Trailer Club and the Moose Lodge. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and in 1995 had taken up golf. He traveled widely including trips to Europe, Hawaii and Alaska. He and Estella maintained a home in Arizona and enjoyed being snowbirds for many years after retiring. Charles was not a man to sit idle. He built his own home in Vancouver in his 30's, built an addition onto his home in Arizona while in his 80's and replaced all his windows in his Vancouver home while in his 90's. Charlie possessed a quick smile and wit that made him a pleasure to be around. He is survived by his wife, Estella; son, Gary Smith of Vancouver; daughter, Sandra Walling of Longview; 5 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren. A Celebration of Life will be held at Elite Care at 2400 NE 112th AVE in Vancouver, Washington on Sunday, May 19th at 2pm. Straub's Funeral Home & Columbia River Cremation in Camas was in charge of the arrangements. To send condolences or to sign the online guest book please visit www.straubsfuneralhome.com.