Charles "Farmer" Smith

Charles L. “Farmer” Smith, 59, of Galesburg, died at 10:21 p.m. Saturday, March 5, 2011 at his home. He was born September 26, 1951 in Galesburg, the son of Charles Wesley and Audrey Lou (Harshbarger) Smith.  He married Lou Ann Stephenson on May 18, 1974 in Galesburg.  She survives.  He is also survived by his mother, Audrey (and Dave) Reckman of Pharr, Texas; two sons, C.R. Smith of Woodhull and Courtney (and Kayla) Smith of Clarksville TN; a brother, Roger (and Becky) Smith of Galesburg; and a sister, Susan Smith of Fort Worth Texas; and four grandchildren, Saraya, Draven, Kylie, and Braddon.  Also surviving are his mother and father in-law, Donald and Carolyn Stephenson of Nashville, IN; sister-in-law, Vickey (and Paul) Marshall of Elkhart, IN; and two brother-in-laws, Michael (and Debbie) Stephenson of Nixa, MO and Mark Stephenson of Lakewood Co.   He was preceded in death by his father.  Charles graduated in 1969 from Galesburg High School.  He served in the U.S. Army from 1970 to 1973.  Charles was a supervisor at Maytag retiring after 35 years of service.  He later worked as a salesman at Lakis Ford/Dodge in Galesburg.  Charles was a member of the First United Methodist Church. Charles had a great love for the outdoors; he enjoyed hunting with his best friend, his brother.  He belonged to the NRA, Ducks Unlimited, Pheasants Forever, Whitetails Unlimited, and the Galesburg Bass Fishing Club.  He also spent some time fishing in the Redman Series.  He was able to take the hunting trip of a lifetime a few years ago to Africa. Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Friday, March 11 at Watson Funeral Home with the Rev. Marilyn Anell officiating.  Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday, March 10 at the funeral home. A celebration of life will be held following the funeral at the Labor Temple, 2243 Grand Ave. Galesburg. Cremation rights will be accorded following the service.  Memorials may be made to Hope Lodge in Iowa City.