Carl Smith, age 62, of Federal Way, Washington, passed peacefully on Wednesday, January 1, 2020, in his home after a five year battle with cancer.
Carl was born in Upper Darby, Pennsylvania (Delaware County), to the late Robert and Florence (Wieteha) Smith on August 22, 1957 and was the second oldest of four children.
Carl graduated from Upper Darby High School in 1975. Carl continued his education at The Pennsylvania State University where he joined ROTC and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism.
In 1980 Carl joined the United States Army which stationed him all over the world to include Iraq during Operation Desert Storm in 1990-91. His primary specialties during his military service included Field Artillery, Instructor, Parachutist, and Public Affairs. After returning from Iraq, Carl's next assignment was as a ROTC Instructor at Southeast Missouri State University. Carl was a gifted teacher who truly enjoyed teaching and challenging his students at every level. After thirteen years of service, Carl finished his military career as a Major, receiving an Honorable Discharge. Carl was honored with numerous awards and medals during his Military service to include the Bronze Star, Army Commendation, Meritorious Service, and Army Achievement. Carl was very proud of his military career and always cherished the opportunity to serve his country.
After his military service, he continued as a graduate student at Southeast Missouri State University where he obtained his Masters degree in History. Carl loved history and was always proud to share his knowledge with friends. In his free time Carl loved sports, especially his hometown Philadelphia teams. He had a keen interest in sports trivia and loved to talk sports with everyone.
Carl met his beloved wife Carmen (Heidenreich) Smith in 1991 and they married in Cape Girardeau, Missouri in 1993. In 1996 they moved to Federal Way, Washington where Carl continued his career with the United States Postal Service as a Supervisor. He served in this management role until his cancer diagnosis.
He was a member of the Federal Way United Methodist Church and belonged to several bible study groups which he enjoyed tremendously. He loved studying the Bible and enjoyed participating in deep discussions on Faith.
Carl is survived by his wife, Carmen Smith of nearly 27 years (WA) and his three siblings; David (Barbara) Smith, Karen Flood, and Janet (Lance) Hill (PA).
A Celebration of Life memorial service is planned for Saturday, February 8, 2020 at the Concord Liberty Presbyterian Church located at 256 Bethel Road, Glen Mills, Pennsylvania, 19342. Friends may call from 11:00-11:45 AM. Service to follow at 11:45 AM. A formal military service will also be held on Thursday, February 27, 2020 at 2:00 PM at Tahoma National Cemetery, Kent, Washington. A Celebration of Life memorial service will also be held at the Federal Way United Methodist Church on Friday, February 28, 2020 at 2:00PM.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the following address:

In Memory of Carl Smith
Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center
P.O. Box 19024 ,
Mail Stop J5-200
Seattle, WA 98109