Charles Eugene Smith, 81, WWII Veteran of US Army

He was born November 27, 1922 in Nelsonville, Ohio and had been a Vermilion resident for 20 years moving from Lorain and had spent the last 5 years in Wellington.

He had worked for American Ship in Lorain, Ravenna Casket in Lorain, Fruehauf in Avon Lake, and was a Mechanic for the City of Vermilion Street Department retiring in 1995.

Mr. Smith was a WWII veteran of the U.S. Army serving from 1943-1946; he received 3 Bronze Stars during his duty.

He was a life member of the VFW in Chauncey, Ohio and Vermilion. He was an avid outdoorsman. He especially enjoyed fishing, hunting, and boating. He also enjoyed model trains, playing the fiddle and Bluegrass music.

Survivors include 4 daughters: Joan Rogers of Lorain, Ohio; Gaynelle “Gayle” Hatten of Wellington, Ohio; Pamela Schniferstein of Hudson, Ohio; Marsha Smith of Vermilion; 5 grandchildren: Robert L. Hatten Jr., Gregory S. Scheiferstein, Heather M. Hatten “Burls”, Barbara J. Rogers, and Ashton F. Scheiferstein; and former wife Mary R. Smith.

Preceding him in death were his parents, William and Grace (nee Stufflebean) Smith; son, Charles Eugene Smith, Jr.; 2 sisters, Nedra Virgean Lindley and Kathleen Preston; and a brother, John Smith.

Friends may call Wednesday, January 28, 2004 from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. at the Riddle Funeral Home, 5345 South Street, Vermilion, Ohio where the Vermilion Veteran Council will conduct military honors at 7:00 p.m.

Funeral services will be held Thursday January 29, 2004 at 11:00 a.m. at the Funeral Home with the Pastor Travis Bailey of New Harvest Baptist Church, Wakeman, officiating.

Memorial contributions may be made to New Life Hospice, 5255 North Abbe Rd. Elyria, Ohio 44035.