Charles Earl Smith

April 30, 1932 - October 28, 2020

Charles Earl Smith, age 88, of Wibaux, Montana, passed away on Wednesday, October 28, 2020 at his home in Wibaux. A Vigil service will be held at 7:00 P.M. on Monday, November 2, 2020 at the Silha Funeral Home in Wibaux with Deacon Jim Wosepka officiating. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Tuesday, November 3, 2020 at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Wibaux with Father Silvester Anthonysamy officiating. *Due to COVID-19 restrictions, it is requested for both the Vigil service and Mass that masks are to be worn and social distancing guidelines followed. Unfortunately, there will not be a luncheon following the Mass to adhere to the distancing request. Silha Funeral Home of Wibaux, Montana has been entrusted with the arrangements. Earl was born on April 30, 1932 in Wibaux, a son of Jesse Earl and Kathryn Augusta (Zielsdorf) Smith. He was raised and educated in Beach, graduating from Beach High School with the class of 1950. Shortly after receiving his high school education, he married JoAnn Mae Sokoloski on January 5, 1953 at St. Phillip’s Catholic Church in Wibaux. They lived on the family farm east of Wibaux for sixty years, where they farmed and raised their six children. They later moved into Wibaux in 2013. During his downtime Earl enjoyed fishing, playing cards, doing yard work, and traveling. He was also talented at refinishing antiques of all types. One of Earl’s favorite things to do however was attending all of his children and grandchildren’s various sporting events. Throughout the years Earl was active on numerous community organizations, including: Wibaux County Commissioner, Wool Growers Association, Nation Farmers Organization, Knights of Columbus, and as a former board member of Cenex in Beach. He was preceded in death by his parents, Jesse and Kathryn; his wife, JoAnn; son, Douglas Smith; grandson, Jason McBride; and two brothers-in-law, Floyd (Dorothy) Sokoloski and James Sokoloski. Earl is survived by five children, Deborah McBride of Wibaux, Brenda Smith of Hamilton, Montana, Bruce (Carmen) Smith of Wibaux, Kendall Smith of Petaluma, California, and Jess (Kim) Smith of Florence, Montana; eight grandchildren, Scott (Sue) Smith, Julie Smith, Sheri (David) LeGrand, Edward (Julie) McBride, Meriah Smith, Riley Smith, Bridger Smith, and Jayden Vogan; two step-granddaughters, Rachelle (David Allred) LaPierre and Danielle LaPierre; five great-grandchildren; five great-step-grandchildren; one sister, Marilyn VanStralen of Moraga, California; one brother-in-law, Donald (Muriel) Sokoloski of Wibaux; and numerous nieces and nephews. Remembrances and condolences may be shared with the family at: www.silhafuneralhomes.com.