Charles "Gene" Eugene Smith

Charles Eugene "Gene" Smith, 89, of Elgin, died April 2 at a local care center. A casual dress celebration of life graveside service will begin at 4 p.m. Friday at Elgin Cemetery.

Charles was born Easter Sunday April 4, 1920, in McMinnville. He lived in the Sheridan/Willamina area working on the Southern Pacific and LPN Railroad until retirement. He retired in the Elgin area.

He served in the U.S. Army 32nd Infantry Pacific theater as a platoon sergeant, receiving two Purple Hearts in combat along with other citations.

He loved gardening, canning and making jelly. Fishing was his favorite sport. He spent a lot of time at local reservoirs.

Those who knew him say he was a friend to many local people, helping them out when he could.

He is survived by his brother, Neil Duane Smith of Hamilton, Mont.; children, Ellen J. Bedortha of Salem, James D. and Joyce Smith of Elgin, Charles (Jeff) and Carole Smith of La Grande; 19 grandchildren; 44 great-grandchildren; 10 great-great-grandchildren; numerous other nieces and nephews and others who called him Grandpa.

He was preceded in death by his parents; five brothers, Roy, Claude, Earl, Elbert and Allen Smith; three sisters, Grace Poe, Daisy Turnege and May Hendricks; daughter, Iris J. Dodd; and grandson, Justin D. Smith.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Elgin Food Bank.

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