Chuck Smotherman

Charles Michael Smotherman
April 23, 1964 - August 31, 2020
Charles (Chuck) Smotherman passed away after his battle with cancer on August 31, 2020 in Bakersfield, California at home and in the company of his loving wife, as was his wish. Born on April 23,1964 to Mary Lou Thomas, he was the youngest of 6 children and attended several local elementary and junior high schools as he grew up in Bakersfield. Chuck graduated from East Bakersfield High School where he was active in the drama program and had the starring role of Charlie Brown in one production. The Navy was his next destination where he served from 1982-1986 and was stationed in both San Diego and Japan. He met his future wife, Cheryl Ann Stewart, at a church dance and they were married in the Los Angeles Temple (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints), on March 23, 1990. They worked and sacrificed together as he completed Bachelors and Masters degrees as well as Teaching and Administrative Credentials at Cal State Bakersfield.
Chuck was a voracious reader and dedicated teacher, who inspired students for 27 years as he taught American History and Government; most of those years were spent at Rosedale Middle School. Because of his great love for America, he sacrificed his Spring Break for 20 years to share that love by leading 8th Grade students, (nearly 1000 total over those years), as they toured Washington DC, Williamsburg, Jamestown and Yorktown. In addition to his service as a teacher, he demonstrated his devotion to the Lord Jesus Christ in numerous Church callings for his congregation over the years.
Chuck & Cheryl raised their four daughters to share their love for the outdoors, and they spent a lot of time hiking and camping together as a family. He is survived by his wife, Cheryl Ann Smotherman, children Kirstyn Kotab & husband (John), Laura Hubbard & husband (Alex), Amanda Jeffery & husband (Brigg) and Emily Smotherman. His posterity also includes grandchildren Scarlett and Emmett Hubbard, Rowan Jeffery, and Everett Kotab. In addition, he is survived by sisters Darlene Reneau & husband (David) and Carrie Madsen, brothers Larry and Ricky Madsen, and MANY nieces & nephews. Chuck was preceded in death by his mother, Mary Lou Thomas, sister, Linda Smegelski, and Big-Brother mentor, Lou Taylor.
He is greatly loved and will be sorely missed by his family and friends.

Memorial Services will be held Friday, Sept 18, 2020, 10am, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints [9900 White Oak Dr, Bakersfield, CA]. Masks & social distancing required due to state mandates.
The Gravesite Dedication will be held on Friday, Sept 18, 2020, 1pm, at Greenlawn SouthWest Cemetery (3729 Panama Ln, Bakersfield, CA). Masks & social distancing required due to state mandates.
Kern River Family Mortuary