Charles G. "Banjo" Smith, 76, of Mt. Vernon, Illinois passed away at 6:53 A.M. on Tuesday, June 28, 2011 at Mt. Vernon Countryside Manor in Mt. Vernon, Illinois. Mr. Smith was born on January 2, 1935 in Mt. Vernon, Illinois the son of the late Raleigh Kenneth Smith and Maurine (Wilson) Smith. He married Colleen (Sparks) Smith on November 1, 1992. Surviving family members include his wife: Colleen Smith of Mt. Vernon, Illinois; 4 sons: Charles G. Smith, Jr. of Nobel, Illinois, Jeffery Alan Smith and wife Christina of Carbondale, Illinois, Roger L. Smith and wife Patty of Opdyke, Illinois and Karl V. Smith of Flora, Illinois; 2 daughters: Roberta Smith of Lockport, Illinois and Tina Smith of Lockport, Illinois; stepsons: Rick Wallis and wife Carolyn of Liberty, Missouri and J. Michael Higgins and wife Lee-Ann of Nashville, Tennessee; brother: Michael Rich and wife Bea of Mt. Vernon, Illinois; 3 sisters: Sharon Tschardt and husband Al of Boerne, Texas, Beverly Sloan of West Frankfort, Illinois and Patsy McGarrity and husband Jay of Arkansas; several grandchildren, nieces and nephews also survive. His parents and 2 brothers: Terry Rich and Raleigh Kenneth Smith, Jr. preceded him in death. Charles was a Sargent in the United States Air Force and retired from Dowzer as Hevi Equipment Operator GRAVESIDE SERVICES: will be held at 10:00 A.M. on Thursday, June 30, 2011 at Bethel Memorial Cemetery in Mt. Vernon, Illinois. Full Military Honors will be conducted by the American Legion Post #141. Mr. J. Michael Higgins will officiate. VISITATION: There will be no public visitation held. INTERMENT: Bethel Memorial Cemetery in Mt. Vernon, Illinois.