Charles Dixon Smith, best known as Dick Smith, age 93, passed away Saturday, June 20, 2026, at his home in West Township of Montgomery County, Iowa, with his wife and son by his side. Dick was born on February 15, 1933, in Omaha, Nebraska, the son of Charles Raymond and Gayle (Dixon) Smith. He lived in West Township his entire life farming with his dad after his mother died when he was 15 years old. He continued farming after his dad passed through 2020 when cancer came his way. He beat cancer but never went back to farming actively except in his dreams. Dick was united in marriage to Judy Harold on April 30, 1964, and they lived on the family homestead purchased by Dick’s great grandfather from the railroad in 1869.

Along with his love of farming, Dick loved the railroad and heavy construction. It’s unknown how he developed such an interest in railroading, but he had a collection of over 100 railroad and construction tapes from all over the world. Dick also enjoyed the history of farming. He remembered and told stories of using horses in farming. He could sit and talk with anyone about a multitude of subjects. He took pleasure in passing on his knowledge and teaching anyone, especially the younger generation eager to learn about farming. He didn’t know a stranger. There was always something he could find in common to talk about. Dick was a great storyteller. The stories always made him laugh along with the telling. They all had a great deal of truth, however; a tweak here or there to make it funny was usually present, but who would know. He was a gentle soul, easy going, laid back, and even tempered. Only one time can anyone remember where his temper got the best of him. If you want to know that story, ask about the kite. Having lived in West Township made him very knowledgeable about the area’s history and development. He loved watching car racing and going to tracks around here to watch personally. Dick served on the Montgomery County Soil Commission for ten years and many years on the Salem Cemetery Board.

Preceding him in death were his parents; a baby brother; and two nephews: Chad Harold and Terry Stormer. Survivors include his wife of 62 years: Judy Smith; son: Ryan Smith and wife Amanda Baldwin-Smith; grandson: Zander Neal; granddaughters: Chloe Yates and husband BJ and Carli Smith; great granddaughters: Amaya and Aria Yates; brothers-in-law: Keith Harold and wife Paula and Rex Harold; sister-in-law: Barbara Stormer and husband Gunter; many nieces, nephews; and other relatives and friends.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 AM Friday, June 26, 2026, at the LeRette Funeral Chapel. Buril will be in the Salem Cemetery in West Township of Montgomery County, Iowa. Visitation with the family will be held from 5-7 PM Thursday, June 25, 2026, at the LeRette Funeral Chapel. Memorials Are suggested to the Salem Cemetery Association or the FFA Alumni Association for scholarships.

LeRette Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements.