1926
Charles
2018
Charles Edward Smith
December 2, 1926 — April 3, 2018
Mr. Charles Edward Smith, 91, of Indianapolis, Indiana, transitioned from labor to reward on April 3, 2018.
Lieutenant Charles E. Smith began his career with the IFD on October 18, 1951 making him the last surviving African American Firefighter that joined a segregated IFD. Let that sink in for a moment…. Lt. Smith came on to a fire department that most of us have only read about, and when those folks pass, it is vital to understand that another era has passed also. Keeping those stories, and memories alive as well; is up to the rest of us. Charlie started his career at the 1s, assigned regular one year after coming on the job. Charlie transferred to the 7s in 1960 where he stayed until making Lieutenant in 1966, and being assigned to Engine 10. A little more than a year later Charlie made his way back to Truck 1, where he remained until his retirement in 1993. Charlie also assisted with the Pan-Am Games in 1987. Charlie’s daughters related that his favorite topic, until the very end was The Indianapolis Fire Dept. Lt. Smith was 91 years old.
He leaves to cherish his memory and celebrate his wonderful life, daughters, Sharon Y. Jagers and Sandra D. Means; siblings: Robert Smith, Bertha Mae Shadd, Norene Turner and Special Cousin, Raymond O. Henson (Natalie Jo); 3 grandchildren, 2 great grandchildren and a host of extended family and friends.
The visitation is Saturday, April 14, 2018, 9am - 12pm with the Homegoing Celebration commencing at 12pm at First Baptist Church North Indianapolis, 880 W. 28th Street, Indianapolis. The interment will immediately follow in Crown Hill Cemetery.
Lieutenant Charles E. Smith began his career with the IFD on October 18, 1951 making him the last surviving African American Firefighter that joined a segregated IFD. Let that sink in for a moment…. Lt. Smith came on to a fire department that most of us have only read about, and when those folks pass, it is vital to understand that another era has passed also. Keeping those stories, and memories alive as well; is up to the rest of us. Charlie started his career at the 1s, assigned regular one year after coming on the job. Charlie transferred to the 7s in 1960 where he stayed until making Lieutenant in 1966, and being assigned to Engine 10. A little more than a year later Charlie made his way back to Truck 1, where he remained until his retirement in 1993. Charlie also assisted with the Pan-Am Games in 1987. Charlie’s daughters related that his favorite topic, until the very end was The Indianapolis Fire Dept. Lt. Smith was 91 years old.
He leaves to cherish his memory and celebrate his wonderful life, daughters, Sharon Y. Jagers and Sandra D. Means; siblings: Robert Smith, Bertha Mae Shadd, Norene Turner and Special Cousin, Raymond O. Henson (Natalie Jo); 3 grandchildren, 2 great grandchildren and a host of extended family and friends.
The visitation is Saturday, April 14, 2018, 9am - 12pm with the Homegoing Celebration commencing at 12pm at First Baptist Church North Indianapolis, 880 W. 28th Street, Indianapolis. The interment will immediately follow in Crown Hill Cemetery.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Charles Edward Smith, please visit our flower store.
Service Schedule
Past Services
Visitation
Saturday, April 14, 2018
9:00am - 12:00 pm (Central time)
First Baptist Church North Indianapolis
Funeral Service
Saturday, April 14, 2018
Starts at 12:00 pm (Central time)
First Baptist Church North Indianapolis
Guestbook
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