Ishpeming, MI- Charles P. "Snook" Smith, age 94, longtime Ishpeming resident, passed away on Tuesday, December 27, 2022, at UP Health System Marquette.

Charles was born in Ironwood, MI, on February 24, 1928, the son of the late Alice Roosevelt (Beer) and Charles P. Smith Sr.

Charles graduated from Ishpeming High School, a member of the class of 1945 and remained an avid Hematite fan. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Army during the Korean War and had many jobs throughout his life, his career job being a postal carrier for the United States Postal Service.

"Snook" was one of a kind. He was a storyteller and enjoyed hearing and telling jokes. He loved music, sang every day, and never forgot a lyric to the wealth of choices in his memory bank. He was also a talented musician and played many instruments including the trombone, piano, accordion, and concertina. He played trombone in the Negaunee City Band throughout his life, retiring when he was 80 years old. He never retired his instruments, though, and played daily in his music room at home.

Charles was also a talented athlete. He played basketball in his younger days for the Republic Shooting Stars. He also played softball with the Woody's Bar softball team.  He exercised every day and enjoyed hunting, skiing, and riding his bike into his 90's.

"Snook" was a one-of-a-kind Dad, Grandpa, and Great Grandpa who leaves a legacy of songs, stories, memories, and love.

Charles is survived by three daughters, Susan ( Michael) Hebein, Terri ( Glenn) Smith, Kristen (Dave) Christian, and a son Charles (Mary) Smith all of Ishpeming;  9 grandchildren; Alison (Billy) Rosseau and Peter Hebein, Zachary (Erin) Smith, Erich (Tori Nault) Smith,  Charles ( Christy) Smith, Amber Smith, Emma ( James) Flanigan, Adam ( Jessica) Christian, Bradley Christian, and 8 great grandchildren; Olletta Rosseau, Nell Rosseau, Elsie Smith, Otto Smith, Henrik Smith, Porter Flanigan, Maren Flanigan, and Myla Christian.

Snook was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Lois, and a grandson, Craig Hebein.

The family would like to thank all of the caring and compassionate aides at Teal Lake Assisted Living, MCMCF, and the nurses who provided him and us care and support at UPHS.

A celebration to honor Snook's life will be held on Saturday, September 2, 2023, at his residence, 753 S. Pine St. Ishpeming, MI 49849 from 11:00 am – 1:00 pm., a light lunch will be provided.

Memorials may be directed to the Charles and Lois Smith IHS Sports Endowment- Community Foundation of Marquette County 228 W. Washington Street Ste 6 Marquette MI 49855/ www. cfofmc.org or to Shriner's Children's at www.shrinerschildrens.org.

Snook's obituary may be viewed at bjorkandzhulkie.com where relatives and friends may leave a note of remembrance.