Charles T. Smith, a former Dustin resident now of Henryetta, died Feb. 24, 2018 in Tulsa at the age of 74. He was born Nov. 7, 1938 in Dustin to Golden Odell Smith and Lena May (Frair) Smith.
Charles joined the U.S. Navy and served from February 1956 to October 1959. He re-enlisted in June of 1965 and served active duty until his honorable discharge in February 1977, including a tour of duty in Viet Nam. Charles later worked for Douglass Aircraft and Rockwell International for several years, before starting to work at Tinker Air Force Base, where he eventually retired after working as an aircraft sheet metal mechanic for over 27 years. He was a long-time member of the Masonic Lodge where he became a 32nd degree Mason. He was a member of the Henryetta VFW and a longtime member of the First Baptist Church of Dustin.
Charles was married to the love of his life, Freda Loretta Clayton Feb. 18, 1956 in Henryetta and remained married for over 61 years.
He is preceded in death by his wife Freda Clayton Smith; his mother and father; five brothers, Jessie Odell Smith, Clarence Edward Smith, Johnny Ray Smith, Golden Artie Smith, and Jasper Gene Smith.
Charles is survived by two children: Charles Dale Smith and wife Claudette of Henryetta and Edward Odell Smith and wife Cristie of McLoud; four sisters: Cora Ashton of Dustin, Lizziebeth Looper of Lamar, Wordna Martin of Wichita, Kansas, and Maudine Johnson of Eufaula; sisters-in-law, Neoma Smith of Dustin, and Rena Smith of Oklahoma City; 11 grandchildren, 26 great grandchildren, four great great granchildren, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and multiple cousins; other extended family and many good friends.
Viewing will be held Thursday at Integrity Funeral Service from noon until 8 p.m. and Friday from 8 a.m. until 8 p.m.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, March 3, 2018 at the Pharoah First Baptist Church with Rev. Roy Rogers officiating. Interment will follow immediately at Hanna Cemetery with Masonic Lodge funeral honors and military honors provided by the U.S. Navy. Services are under the direction of Integrity Funeral Service of Henryetta.