Charles “Charlie” C. Smith

Share a memory Print obituary

Charles “Charlie” C. Smith, 93, of Lincoln passed away on March 25, 2022. He was born on August 19, 1928, to Harry and Edith (Williamson) Smith. Charlie had a good life, 42 years as an engineer, running freight thru Nebraska, Kansas and Missouri for Burlington Northern all the while happily married for 72 years to his high school sweet heart Marian. Charlie was a member of Southview Christian Church where you could find him every Sunday drinking coffee, sharing stories in Fellowship Hall after the service. He and Marian shared a home in Lincoln where most days you could find him on the front porch visiting with a neighbor or two. He was known for his inviting smile and telling stories.

Family members include his wife of nearly 72 years, Marian of Lincoln; children John Smith and Molly Andrews-Smith of Seattle, WA and Todd Smith and fiancé Maria Kirchmann of Lincoln; sister Harriett of Humboldt, NE; extended family members and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and daughter Elaine.

Celebration of Life will be held 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, March 30, 2022, at Southview Christian Church, 2040 S. 22^nd St., Lincoln (02). Pastor Kerry O’Bryant officiating.

A private family inurnment to take place.

Memorials may be given to Southview Christian Church.

Share a memory Print obituary

Services

March30

Celebration of Life

11:00 am CST

Southview Christian Church

2040 S. 22nd St., Lincoln, NE

Share a memory Print obituary

Share a Memory or Condolence

March 31, 2022

I have been blessed to know Chuck and his wife Marian my entire life. My parents Dick and Jane Boehmer were very close to Chuck and Marian and our families grew up together. I will always treasure celebrating July 4th at their home on South Street. I wish I could express how much their family was a part of my childhood. Thank you, Chuck for being such a kindhearted man. I’m sending love to Marian, John, Molly, Todd and Maria. May you find comfort in your memories and in the presence of those you love.

– Lori Schaffert

March 27, 2022

I am so sorry to learn of Charlie’s passing. My sincere condolences to all family members. Charlie and Marian were nearby neighbors for many years on Crestline Drive with my parents, Paul and Virginia Portsche (both deceased.) I first met Charlie in 2011 when I was in Lincoln and my mother Virginia had the hot water heater began to leak and cause water in her basement. Charlie had stopped by and went to the basement to help me with that problem. Later, after my mother passed away in 2014, I would come back from the state of Virginia to Lincoln to care for the home and her dog. When in Lincoln, Charlie invited me to come to their home and have a cup of coffee – which I did. On another occasion, we went to lunch at a local restaurant named The Eatery. I remember he was known by the young waitresses and would kid with them. We had a special attachment due to us both having our previous employment with the old Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad (CB&Q), which later was merged into the new Burlington Northern Railroad (BN) in 1970. We would share our recollections of the early days when Charlie and Marian lived in Humboldt; his working in Wymore, later becoming a locomotive fireman and then a locomotive engineer. He had many interesting and comical tales to tell about his railroad work. From time to time, he would give me a call to talk, and would give me railroad magazines after he had finished reading them. After Charlie and Marian moved to Gateway Vista, I went there several times and visited with him and Marian about their early days. Of the few possessions in his room was a framed picture of the two of them when they were very young in Humboldt. Also, there was another framed item indicating “Engineer,” that if I remember correctly, he said was given to him by his children. I knew by both wall hangings, that he was very proud of childhood sweetheart Marian, his children, and his work on the railroad. During the visits that I did make, I learned that he fancied “watermelon.” So, I went Hy-Vee and would bring some to him as a special treat. My visits ended when Covid-19 set in, and visitors were not allowed to make visits. I hold a high degree of respect for Charlie for the kindness and helpfulness that he provided to me as well as many others. And I have a high degree of respect for his working many years as a locomotive engineer, performing this important job of moving heavy freight trains safely and professionally which is critical for our country. My thoughts and prayers are extended to Marian, their children and their families, and to his sister Harriett.

– Robert L. Portsche

March 27, 2022

To John, Mrs. Smith and the Smith Family, I am so very sorry to hear of your great loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers. I have seen Mr. and Mrs. Smith at family funerals over the years and they both have been so kind and nice chatting with me about our kindergarten days. Hugs to all of you. Lori Siepker (Gottula)