Beckham County, OK - Obits: Charles E. Smith, 1921
Friday, 14 November 2008
Submitted by: delma25@pldi.net (Delma Tindell)

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SMITH, CHARLES E.
(30 Jun 1921, Beckham County Democrat, Erick, Beckham Co, OK):
Charles E. Smith breathed his last at the family residence at 1 o'clock
p.m. Saturday June 25th, and with his death an exemplary citizen, a
devoted husband and father, an active and zealous worker in the Church and
Sunday School and one of the best known Odd Fellows of this town, at least
to the active members of the fraternity, passed away.
Bro. C. E. Smith was a native of Benton county, Mo., born August 5, 1879,
and was therefore 41 years 10 months and 20 days old.  He and Maude Camp
were united in marriage at Chickasha, Okla., on Nov. 18, 1900, and to this
union were born the one son Harvey, and two daughters Clara and Francis. 
His wife and daughters ministered to his wants, trying in every way to
alleviate his suffering, borne so uncomplainingly even cheerfully, lest he
add to their anxiety, until his brave spirit plumed it's wings for flight
to another and better world.
A message was sent Saturday forenoon to the son who was in school at
Peoria, Ill., and hastening homeward arrived on Monday afternoon's train.
Beside wife and children Bro. C. E. Smith leaves a father, three sisters
and three brothers.  His father and a sister, Mrs. Joe Dufran of Noble,
Okla., a brother and family of Amarillo, Texas, and a brother who resides
on a farm west of town were here for the burial.
Bro. C. E. Smith became a member of the Baptist Church at Tuttle, Okla.,
in 1906 and was ever a true soldier of the cross.  While living at
Carnegie, Okla., in 1912, he was first elected a deacon in the Church.  At
that place he was also the Superintendent of the Sunday School.
At the time of his death he was Superintendent of the Sunday School of the
Erick Baptist Church and beloved by the young people as he was respected
by the old.
Bro. Smith was a member of the Order of Odd Fellows in which he took an
active and zealous interest, discharging with fidelity the duties of every
position to which he was called.  At the time of his death he held the
office of Nobel Grand.  He was a member of the Rebekah.
The funeral services were held at the Baptist Church Monday afternoon at
3:30 o'clock when Rev. J. E. Bell, pastor of the Baptist Church, conducted
the service.
The following Odd Fellows acted as Pall Bearers:  Brothers Jim Richardson,
John Burton, Bert Armstrong, Chas. Brooks, Gid Evans and Lee McDermitt. 
From the home to the church, members of the I.O.O.F. and Rebekah Orders
marched on foot with C. J. Schmeizer acting as Marshall, also marching and
immediately following the hearse the following young girls, members of
Mrs. Smith's Sunday School Class:  Misses Ruby Witt, Inez Snell, Ada
Earnest, Ethel Smith, Gladys Witt, Gladys Robinson, Grace Wilson and Alma
Prescott.  These girls, all clad in white, and bearing beautiful floral
offerings sent by relatives, friends, Church and S.S. and Fraternal Orders
made a picture long to be remembered.
A large crowd attended the Church service and at the cemetery the
Ritualistic service of the Odd Fellows was observed.  Bro. Ab Gilbert
acting as Noble Grand and Bro. Smith as Chaplin.

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