CHARLES VERNON SMITH, named in honor of Charles Lindbergh and Vernon Castle—a vaudeville actor and dancer once met by his father—went home to be with his Lord and Savior on December 22, 2025. Born July 15, 1934, in Silver City, New Mexico, Charles was the beloved son of Roy Glenn Smith and Audrey Irena Perdue Smith. He grew up alongside his brother James Leroy Smith and sister Frances Elizabeth Smith Riddle, both of whom preceded him in death. At the time of his birth, the family lived in Pinos Altos, later settling in Silver City in 1938 in a home lovingly built by his father, Roy.

Charles attended The Training School through eighth grade and graduated from Western High School in 1952. He continued his education at Western New Mexico University and New Mexico State University.

In September 1953, Charles proudly enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. He trained at the San Diego Marine Corps Recruit Depot and Camp Pendleton, California, before serving in Korea from 1954 to 1955. He completed his service at Camp Pendleton in August 1956.

Returning home, Charles pursued further studies at WNMU and began his career in law enforcement. He worked briefly with the Silver City Police Department before joining the Las Cruces Police Department in 1958. Over nearly a decade, he rose through the ranks to Captain. In 1967, he transitioned to the 3rd Judicial District Court, serving as Chief Juvenile Probation Officer until his retirement in 1984 with 27 years of service.

Charles dedicated his career to guiding and supporting young people. He was instrumental in founding the Desert Rascals program, which evolved into the Council for Youth under Judge Ed Triviz and later became FYI. His commitment to juvenile justice extended beyond his official duties: he served on the Juvenile Detention Renovation Advisory Committee (1977–1979), the Juvenile Justice Advisory Committee (appointed by Governor Bruce King in 1979), and the Region IV Criminal Justice Advisory Committee (1979–1982).

Charles is survived by his devoted wife, Janie; daughter Susan (Jan) Green; son Michael (Joy) Smith; granddaughters Lindsay (Aaron) Stewart and Emily (Matthew) Pieczynski; great-granddaughters Rylee and Avery Stewart; step-granddaughter Brandy Leonard; and step-great-grandsons Paul and Trace.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Tender Care Home Health and Hospice for their compassionate care.

A private Inurnment will be held at Ft. Bayard National Cemetery in Bayard, New Mexico.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Charles' memory to the New Mexico Baptist Children's Home (Box 629, Portales, NM 88130) or The Ranches (NM Boys & Girls Ranch, PO Box 27561, Albuquerque, NM 87125-9948).

Service arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Baca's Funeral Chapel of Las Cruces and Sunset Crematory, 300 E. Boutz Road, 527-2222. Your exclusive provider for "Veterans and Family Memorial Care." For online condolences logon to www.bacasfuneralchapelslascruces.com