Charles Dwight Smith

Charles Dwight Smith, aged 80, of Garden City, Kansas, passed away on Thursday, March 28, 2024, surrounded by his loving family. Visitation hours will be held from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Sunday, March 31, and from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Monday, April 1, 2024, at Robson Funeral Home located at 620 N. Main Street in Garden City. The family will be available to receive friends from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Monday at the funeral home. 

A funeral service in honor of Charles Dwight Smith will take place at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, April 2, 2024 at Robson Funeral Home of Garden City.

Dwight was born on January 14, 1944, to the late Danny and Mary Alice Smith in Borger, Texas where he grew up in the oilfields area. As a young man, Dwight developed a passion for aviation while maintaining the personal aircraft of the oilmen, which led him to learn to fly at a very young age. His early exposure and natural leadership qualities paved the way for his initial career as an airport manager for Central Airlines across the Midwest region. Notably, Dwight became the youngest airport manager in Central Airlines history.

On May 31, 1962, Dwight married Judy Nay in Borger, Texas and together they began their family journey. After settling down in Garden City in 1970 following Judy's urging for stability with a child in school and another on the way, Dwight ventured into various business endeavors starting with working for Tom Hicks at the Appliance Store before eventually owning and renaming it as the "Appliance Mart". Alongside his appliance store responsibilities, Dwight delved into real estate development constructing notable projects like the SRS building and multiple multi-family housing units.

Recognizing the future potential of technology, Dwight established Computer Tech in 1983 which later metamorphosed into Palace Computers as his visionary acumen expanded into this domain amidst managing his other business pursuits diligently. In his leisure moments away from business commitments, he relished playing golf and embarking on travels with both friends and family members.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Dwight actively engaged in community service as a volunteer firefighter and held memberships with organizations such as the Garden City Board of Realtors, the Lion's Club; ValCom's Board of Directors; and contributed significantly as a member of Golden Plains Credit Union's Board for over two decades.

Dwight is survived by his devoted wife of 61 years, Judy Smith; loving daughter Robin Bergkamp and her husband Mitch; cherished son Greg Smith along with his wife Shelly; dear sister Sharon; five grandchildren - Shannon Ford with his wife Megan, Chelsea VanVleet alongside her husband Michael, Wyatt Smith, Dylon Smith together with his wife Trisha, Baily Partridge accompanied by her husband Michael; and Madison Bergkamp; additionally being fondly remembered by ten great-grandchildren - Clara, Cody, Araya, Jaela, Emma, Kora, Crew, Raven, Roran, and Reese. He is predeceased by his brothers Gerald and Kenneth.

In memory of Charles Dwight Smith's legacy and contributions throughout his life journey, the family suggests memorial donations to be made to the Finney County Humane Society situated at 124 N. Fleming Street in Garden City - honoring his compassionate spirit towards worthy causes.
May his enduring spirit of industriousness and community devotion inspire all those whose lives he touched profoundly.