OBITUARY: Charles “Chuck” “Coach” Smith

Charles "Chuck" "Coach" Smith died Monday, July 21, 2014.

He was born June 11, 1927, in Ridgway. He was the loving husband for 66 years to the late Norma L. Smith (nee Graham), dear son of the late Verdis and Effie Smith (nee Moye), dear brother of Laura Downey and the late Violet Murray and the late Louise Roman, dearest brother-in-law of the late Roy and Freda Graham, the late Red and Betty Graham, Bonny and the late Bob Jackson and Ron and Joan Graham. He loved and enjoyed all of his nieces and nephews.

Coach Smith enjoyed a successful career as the Men's Head Basketball Coach and Athletic Director at UMSL and was also the Head Basketball Coach at Washington University and Central Missouri State. He was a member of the Missouri Basketball Hall of Fame, UMSL Sports Hall of Fame and Wash U Hall of Fame.

Chuck led a full and vibrant life and was a true mentor and leader. He loved playing golf and spending time with his pals. He truly loved his dear wife Norma Smith whom he met while in the Navy. They spent years traveling and attending all of Chuck's games together. Although they did not have children, they considered their students as their own. Coach Smith leaves behind a legacy and he will be missed by many.

The family is being served by The Baue Funeral and Memorial Center, 3950 West Clay Street, St. Charles, Mo., where visitation was held 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, July 26, 2014. Funeral Service followed at 4 p.m. Interment will be held at later date at Memorial Park Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the UMSL Athletics Department in care of the General Scholarship fund, UMSL Athletic Department, 225 Mark Twain Blvd, One University Blvd, St Louis, Mo. 63121. Visit baue.com