Rev. Charles Olen Smith

December 7, 1943 - December 8, 2017

On December 8, 2017, Charles Olen Smith was welcomed at heaven’s gates by his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, at the age of 74. He passed away in his sleep after battling cancer for almost a year. Charles was born in Vidor, Texas, on December 7, 1943. His family later moved near Houston, where he graduated from Galena Park High School in 1963. At the age of 18, Charles gave his life to Jesus. From 1963 to 1966, he served in the US Army and was stationed in Germany as an aircraft mechanic. Charles met his wife, Geneva Calhoun after returning home. The couple married on April 21, 1967, and celebrated their 50th anniversary earlier this year. Charles graduated from Pipefitters Local Union No. 211’s five-year apprenticeship school in 1975. He worked as a pipefitter for 46 years in the union. In 1974, he was licensed to preach at Gatewood Baptist Church, in Houston. He was ordained the next year, pastoring several churches over the years. His greatest joys were pastoring and preaching. He loved to study his bible, with a special interest in biblical prophecy. He also enjoyed reading Western books and watching Western movies. His favorite family vacations were camping, especially at Garner State Park and Chain O’ Lakes. Charles was a member of Grace Community Baptist Church, in Dayton, Texas, for fifteen years. He and Geneva moved to the Dayton-Liberty area in 1983, and have lived in Kenefick for the last fifteen years. Charles was preceded in death by his parents, Carl Nolan Smith, Sr. and Evelena Smith; siblings: Otis Smith, Swede Smith, Wayne Smith, Mary Ann Smith and LeRay Russell; and numerous other family members. Charles left behind his wife, Geneva Smith of 50 years, and four sons: Michael and wife Amanda, Mark and wife Joannie, Matthew and wife Rachel, and Stephen and wife Tonya; 10 grandchildren: Devin, Judith, Carlie, Christian, Johnathan, Colton, Zoey, Justin, Lana and Sawyer; siblings: Carl Nolan Smith, Jr. and wife Gladys, Evelyn Burnitt and husband Don, Clifton Smith and wife Ana, Carleen Crisp and husband John, Douglas Smith, Susan LaMorie, and Linda Herrington; sisters-in-law: Ella Smith and Oline Simmons; and his faithful dog Bandit, who was always there for him.