Windsor - Charles Felton Smith of Windsor, Colorado, passed away peacefully at home with family and friends at his side on

March 30, 2016, after battling a rare neurodegenerative disease for eight years.

He was born to the late Thomas and Virginia Smith in Memphis, Tennessee, on

April 10, 1938. He earned a bachelor''s degree in electrical engineering from Christian Brothers College and a Ph.D. in electrical engineering from the University of Florida in 1966.

Charles enjoyed working in the fields of teaching and engineering work prior to engaging as business owner in a computer software company in 1976. With Fiscal Information, he enjoyed the challenges and rewards of business ownership and valued his relationships with clients and employees until he sold the company in 1997.

Upon retirement, Charles continued to invest in people as a ministry director at Summitview Church in Fort Collins, Colorado. He also enjoyed being with family, reading, studying the Bible, playing basketball and traveling on mission trips.

Charles was preceded in death by four siblings: Thomas Smith, Virginia Brown, Anne Lucas and Peggy Whittington. He is survived by his wife of 25 years, Louise Cantrelle Smith (formally of Lafayette); sons Craig (Joanna) and Chris (Patricia); step-children, Jennifer East (Craig) and David Romagosa (Stacy); and eight grandchildren who adored their "PaPa:" Olivia, Savanah, Sydney and Payton Smith; Bailey, Brittany and Dylan East, and Baby Olivia who was born on what would have been Charles'' 78th birthday. He is also survived by many loving family members, including special friends Ray, Kim, Grant and David Phillips.

A Celebration of Life will be held at First Lutheran Church, 301 West Farrel Drive, Lafayette, LA on Saturday, June 11 at 4:00, after a private burial of ashes.