Charles Edward Smith Jr.

At 93 years of age, Charles Edward Smith Jr. at his home, quietly passed from this earth. His two beloved cats were at his side. Charles was born in Sharpsburg, Kentucky in 1927, to Charles E. Smith and Kathryn Dye (Clark) Smith. His father was a civil engineer; they lived in various cities in Kentucky, including Paintsville and Mt. Sterling. In 1945, Charles graduated from high school in Kevil, Kentucky. While living in Kevil, Charles joined the Methodist Church and gave his life to God. Charles and his family later moved to the Smith Farm outside Paris, Kentucky where he lived until 1946 when he entered Morehead Kentucky State College. Charles enrolled at Eastern Kentucky State University the following year. While at Eastern Kentucky State University, he met and married Paula J. Flinchum in 1945. They moved to Frankfort, Kentucky in 1947 where Charles was employed as an office engineer. Charles volunteered for the United States Air Force and after basic training in Texas was assigned directly to Larson Air Force Base in Washington State. He was assigned to the office of the HQ Squadron. Charles applied to OCS and graduated as 2nd Lieutenant and was assigned to electronics school. An unexpected reduction in force was implemented by the Air Force which allowed Charles to return to Eastern Kentucky State University for the fall term. In 1946, Charles graduated with a bachelor’s degree in science. After completing his master’s degree in zoology in 1956 at the University of Kentucky, Charles spent the next five years teaching science at Bardstown High School (Kentucky). After attending numerous National Science Foundation Fellowships and two years of study and research at the University of Louisville, Charles was granted a Ph.D. in Fresh Water Biology. He went on to teach Biology at Ball State University from 1963 until his retirement in 1992. Cremation arrangements have been made. There will not be any services or visitation. Elm Ridge Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements. Memorials can be sent to ARF (Animal Rescue Fund), 1209 West Riggin Road, Muncie, Indiana 47303 OR High Street United Methodist Church (food pantry), 219 South High Street, Muncie, Indiana 47305. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.elmridgefuneralhome.com.