Charles "Charlie" Smith, 73, of Cape Girardeau died Friday, March 9, 2001, at his home.

He was born July 18, 1927, at Kennett, Mo., son of Eldon and Minnie Steele Smith. He and Betty L. Huber were married Jan. 13, 1949, in Cape Girardeau.

Charlie worked at Cauble and Field and L.A. Tucker Truck Line (Inman Freight) from 1949-81. He was a member of St. Mark Lutheran Church and served on the first board council and grounds committee, and transferred to St. Andrew Lutheran in 1986.

He was a member of Union Local 547, VFW Post 3838 (47 years, became a life member in 1991), American Legion, Elks, Eagles, TPA and Amvets.

Charlie served in the U.S. Army from 1945-47.

Survivors include his wife; two sons, Charles "Chuck" Smith Jr. and Randy Smith of Cape Girardeau; a sister, Betty Frankson of O'Fallon, Ill.; and a grandchild, Shealee Smith of Cape Girardeau.

He was preceded in death by a brother and a sister.

Friends may call at Ford and Sons Sprigg Street Chapel from 4-8 p.m. today.

Funeral will be at 2 p.m. Sunday at the chapel, with the Rev. Cy Smith officiating. Burial will be in Cape County Memorial Park.