Charles DeHaven Smith, 88, of Clearfield died Thursday, Aug. 21, 2014 at the Mountain Laurel Nursing & Rehabilitation Center, Clearfield. He was born Feb. 24, 1926 in Cassville, a son of the late George W. and Nora (Robison) Smith.
He was employed as a drag-line shovel operator and heavy equipment mechanic. He retired from Thomas Coal Company in 1989.
In his younger years, Mr. Smith, who was called ‘Smitty’ by his friends, was actively involved in hunting, fishing and ice skating.
He and his wife, Elsie, were members of the Chinklamoose Square Dancing Club for many years. He loved his family and often showed it through his actions.
He loved to barbecue at family gatherings. He also bought and maintained vehicles for his family, including his grandchildren. He always maintained his own cars in mint condition, and in later years, he had several antique cars.
Mr. Smith attended the Trinity United Methodist Church in Clearfield and later the Jubilee Christian Center in Hyde where his son is the pastor.
He served with the U.S. Navy during World War II. He was a member of the American Legion John Lewis Shade Post No. 6 and the Clearfield Veterans of Foreign Wars F. Michael Sicks Post No. 1785.
He’s survived by his wife, Elsie Wilna (Theys) Smith, whom he wed June 14, 1947 in Ramey, and two sons, C. Thomas Smith and his wife, Nancy of Georgetown, Ky. and Terence Lee Smith and his wife, Constance of Clearfield.
He’s also survived by seven grandchildren, Christian Smith, Wendy Thomas, Benjamin Smith, Bethany Smith, Angie Davis, Derek Smith and Nichole Smith and six great-grandchildren.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Alma Kintzel and two brothers, Roy and Denny Smith.
Funeral services will be held at 4 p.m. Saturday at the Kevin A. Beardsley Funeral Home, Clearfield, with Mr. Smith’s son, Pastor Terence Smith, officiating. Burial will be in the Crown Crest Memorial Park, Hyde.
To sign the online guestbook, go to www.beardsleyfuneralhome.com.