Charles Gilbert Smith Sr.

Charles Gilbert Smith, known by “Gil” or “Chuck” to many, passed away peacefully on July 31, 2025, at the age of 88. Born on January 16, 1937 to parents Elsie and Paul Smith in Newark, Ohio, Charles was the eldest son of 8 children.

Charles attended Newark Schools into his young teen years, when he felt called to stay home and assist his parents in providing for the family. He was a hardworking, strong-willed man of God who his loved ones could always count on to offer sound advice or be an unwavering support to lean on. Charles served in the Ohio National Guard from 1955 to 1962. He pursued a variety of occupations to support his family, eventually retiring from his role at Bexley City Schools.

Gil met the love of his life, Jo Ann Smith (Swick) in 1957, on the Newark Square, where they fell madly in love and were married a few weeks after on June 21. They spent 66 beautiful years together; filling their life with love, laughter and the happy barks of their numerous pet dachshunds. Gil and Jo spent many of their summers together adventuring around the US from their motorhome. Together, they raised 3 children, Deborah “Deb” (Bob) Maroldy, Charles “Chuck” (Karen) Smith, and Paul (Susan) Smith, as well as their granddaughter Jennifer “Jenny” (Kurtis) Herlocher. “Papa” was adored by his grandson Kyle Smith and great grandchildren Ali (Anthony) Bell-Thacker, Erica (Vinny) Thacker, and Lucas (Addi) Thacker.

Chuck was a faithful member of Christian Apostolic Church in Newark, OH. He had a deep love for his family and enjoyed playing euchre and watching football and golf. Sundays were always his favorite — as they began with attending his beloved church and ended cozied up in his recliner with Jo watching his Cleveland Browns play.

He is survived by his children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, sisters — Judith (Brodie) Newton and Linda (Marvin) Antill; as well as many more extended family members and dear friends. Charles was preceded in death by his devoted wife, Jo Ann, his grandparents, parents and siblings Phil (Judy) Smith, Larry (Charlene) Smith, Helen (Harry) Smallwood, Mary (Oren) Harris and Miriam Louise (Robert) Kridier.

Visitation will be held at Kauber-Fraley Funeral Home, 289 S. Main st., Pataskala, OH, on Tuesday August 5, 2025, from 5pm to 7pm. A funeral service will be held at the Funeral Home on Wednesday August 6, 2025 at 11am with a graveside service immediately following at Pataskala Cemetery.

“He replied, 'Because you have so little faith. Truly I tell you, if you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.” - Matthew 17:20