Charles B. Smith (Plainview)

CHARLES BENJAMIN SMITH Charles B. Smith, 86, of Plainviewdeparted this life on Dec. 17, 2011 after a long period of health problems. Servicesto celebrate his life will be at 2:00 P.M. Wednesday, December 21, 2011 at 9thand Columbia Church of Christ in Plainview with pastor Evan Weissofficiating. Burial will follow atapprox. 3:30 P.M. in the Lockney Cemetery under the direction of KornerstoneFuneral Directors of Plainview. The family willgreet friends from 5 to 7 P.M. at the funeral home on Tuesday, Dec. 20. Charles wasborn June 22, 1925 in Lockney, Texas to Jake and Verdie Wofford Smith. He graduated from Lockney High School in1942. He served in the U.S. Navy Seabeesfrom 1943-1946 as a First Class Machinist Mate. During his tour with the Navy he was stationed on Palmyra Island NavalAir Station, Holalulu Naval Air Station, and on the USS Henry. He married Mildred Vernon in 1947. They lived in Wichita Falls, Texas for 18years where he worked as Chief Engineer at two major hospitals, then back to Plainview in 1968 asChief Engineer at Central Plains Regional Hospital when it opened in 1970. He is a member of the 9th andColumbia Church of Christ where he loved his association with his churchfamily. Charles enjoyed water sports,bowling, hunting and coin collecting. Those left tocherish his memory include his wife Mildred; son Randy Smith and wife Pamela ofBoerne; two granddaughters, Vanessa Elsdon and husband Rick Ernst of Marana,AZ, Heather Campbell and husband Tory of Cottonwood, AZ; one grandson, CooperSmith of Boerne; three great grandchildren, Braiden Campbell, Willow Campbell,and Will Ernst; his church family and many lifelong friends. Preceding him in death are his parents, two brothers, and two sisters. The familysuggests memorials to 9th and Columbia Church of Christ or yourfavorite charity.