Obituary for Wardell Caesar Smith, Sr.

W. Caesar Smith, Sr. 87 years old left this life Saturday, October 19, 2024, at the Central Iowa Veteran’s Hospital. He was a loving, caring, committed, honorable, and exceptional son, husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, friend, athlete and soldier, born November 22,1936.

A native of Des Moines and resident of Urbandale, he graduated from Des Moines North High School, started his college education at the University of Iowa, transferring and graduating from the University of Nebraska in Omaha. During his time at North High he was the ’53-’54 state Cross Country individual champion, leading North to team titles both years. He was a 6-time indoor State Meet Champion leading North to 2A titles in ’53-’54. He won 4 outdoor state meet gold medals and led North to team titles in 53’-’54. Anchoring 8 state meet relays during his career taking home all 8 gold medals. He was the 50-meter AAU indoor champ, 100-meter AAU outdoor champ, 400 & 800 meter and cross-country champ during high school. During his time at Iowa he won the Big Ten indoor 600-yard run, setting a school record. Caesar could run his mouth and long and short races.

Caesar proudly and honorably served 20 years with the United States Army retiring as a Major. He served two tours of duty in Viet-Nam and with the 82^nd Airborne Division and 8^th Infantry Division in Germany. While in the army he was a member of the US Army Track and Field team and earned 3 US Army winning titles in the 440, 880 and Mile. He loved the Army and the opportunities it gave him to live in different states countries and meet and embrace the many cultures and people that Army life provided. His five children have that same sense of wonder that comes from moving, traveling and meeting new people.

Military Service Awards: Senior Parachutist Badge, Combat Infantry Badge, Good Conduct Medal, Army Commendation medal, two Meritorious Service Medals and three Bronze Stars.

He retired from Principal Financial Group in 1994 as Director of Human Resources Training. During that time, he was recognized nationally with the Distinguished Contribution to Employer/Client Award by the American Society for Training and Development [ASTD]. He completed a successful 17-year career with Principal to start his own business enterprise Smith-Swink & Associates.

His company Smith-Swink & Associates provided human resources performance consultation, program development and training. Caesar was a professional speaker and Certified Speaking Professional with National Speakers Association. He was a dynamic presenter and speaker who motivated and inspired all that heard him.

Community activities present and past: First Unitarian Church member, DSM YMCA board, Area Education board, Private Industry Council, Iowa Department of Public Safety Advisory board, United Way Allocation Panel, Mayor’s Economy Study Committee for the City of Des Moines, appointed by the Governor to the State of Iowa Board of Parole, Cobblestone Homeowner’s Association board, Des Moines Metro Opera board, Iowa Chapter of the American Diabetes Council, North High School Outstanding Athlete and Academic Achievement Award and last but not least Iowa Association of Track Coaches Hall of Fame 2021.

Caesar leaves to grieve his passing his loving devoted wife Phyllis Swink, children Corlis Moody (James), Yvonne Ousley (Arthur deceased), Grayce Lane (Vincent), Caesar Smith II (Sandy), Robert Smith (Nichelle) and Michael Hubbard, 11 grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren. Also, many great and loyal friends. Preceded in death are his parents, Robert E. Smith and Grace A. Coyle, brother, Robert R. Smith.

Celebration of Life service will be held Saturday, April 26, 2025 11:00 AM at the First Unitarian Church in Des Moines, 1800 Bell Ave.