Charles E. Smith

Charles E. Smith, 93, died October 6, 2026 after a long, full life. He was born in Paducah, Kentucky, on March 18, 1933 and raised in South Bend and La Porte, Indiana.

“Charlie” was a proud alumnus of Indiana University, where he earned a B.S. in education after a stint in the Army. He briefly worked at Fort Benjamin Harrison near Indianapolis before becoming a contract negotiator at Wright Patterson Air Force Base. For more than 60 years, Fairborn was his home.

His wife, Carol Stewart Smith, preceded him in death, as did his beloved mother, Katherina Keane Smith; and his father, Charles, Sr. He is survived by children Jenny Smith of New Mexico; Karen Land (Mark) of New York; and Dave Smith (Julie) of Cincinnati; and grandchildren Sara Land (Taylor Haynos), Lucas Smith and Ashley Smith.

Charlie enjoyed gardening, travel, community service and cheering on the Indiana Hoosiers. He was lucky to witness an impossible dream this year when his favorite team won a national championship… in football.

Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. on Friday, October 16, 2026, at the Belton-Stroup Funeral Home, 422 E. Dayton-Yellow Springs Road in Fairborn, Ohio. A graveside service will follow at 11:00 a.m. in Byron Cemetery, 3256 Trebein Road, Fairborn, Ohio.

If desired, memorial contributions may be made to the food pantry FISH Fairborn, 480 W. Funderburg Road.

Arrangements in care of Belton-Stroup Funeral Home, Fairborn, Ohio.