Kenneth Wayne “Ken” Smith
On December 4, 2020, the patriarch of the Smith Family, Kenneth Wayne Smith, went to the Lord with his family at his side, in his home. Ken “Kenny,” “Smitty” was born at home to Violet Marie Smith and Raymond Lester Smith on September 14, 1941. He is preceded in death by: his father, Raymond; his mother, Violet; his sisters, Shirley Eileen Ketchum and Valdean Marie Lewis; brother, Ronald Reo Smith; and grandson, Gage Remy Pier. He is survived by: his wife of 57 years, Jacqueline Kay (Mulvihill) Smith; daughters, Kerri Lynn Smith (Charles Shaffer), Kendra Smith (Louis Mills); grandson, Dalton Butts (Chloe Gonzales); brothers, William Robert Smith (Jerri), Charles Raymond Smith; many nieces and nephews; godson, Brian Scott Huver, and extensive extended family.
Ken went on to serve in the 501st Infantry and the 82nd Airborne Screaming Eagles Paratroopers and as Sharpshooter for our country. After his service, Ken worked masonry with his brother, William “Bill” Smith. Then, he met and married the love of his life, Jacqueline Kay Mulvihill (Smith) May 31, 1963. Together, they had two children, Kerri Lynn Smith (Charles Shaffer) and Kendra Sue Smith (Louis Mills).
During his 30 years of service at GM/UAW District Shop Committee, Ken also was a Little League Coach, local softball player, league bowler, avid golfer, occasional fisherman, hunter, gardener, jack-of-all-trades, and master of most.
“My grandpa was the strongest man I ever knew; he taught me all there was to know about being a man. To say he was the patriarch of the family would be an understatement. When Ken Smith built something, he built it to last and that applies to his family too. The generational foundation that he built will remember him forever and, in that remembrance, he will live on.”
~Dalton Butts
Ken was also a member of UAW Local 652, Old News Boys, NRA, VFW, Buck Reasoner Post #238 American Legion of Holt, and Holt United Methodist Church.
A graveside service will be held At Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens, on December 21, 2020, at 11:00 AM. The family as that memorial contributions be made out to a charity of one’s own choice.
20 Messages to “Kenneth Wayne “Ken” Smith”
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Jacqueline Mulvihill Smith
December 6, 2020 at 1:18 pmI am thanking my daughters and grandson and son in laws his brother Bill and my Sis Julie and Paul and Jay Shaull and Pastor Carolin of Holt United Methodist Church and Hospice in those last days of Ken’s earthly life.
Audrey Clark
December 6, 2020 at 1:40 pmMy prayers to all during this difficult time.
Sue (Mulvihill) Coon
December 6, 2020 at 1:41 pmGod has taken Ken’s hand and will forever be healed. We will miss him and will remember all the good times. We will share laughter and love in our stories. God watch over his family and give them peace. I love all of you.
Hope Smith Nichols
December 6, 2020 at 2:35 pmWhat a lovely tribute to a wonderful man. Dad Smith will be missed by us all. Love and hugs to Mom Smith, Kerri, Kendra, and Dalton.
moose
December 6, 2020 at 3:03 pmKen was one true great leaders. Loved reading his post on fb.Words of wisdom.
Lisa Marie
December 6, 2020 at 3:07 pmSo many wonderful memories of my Uncle Ken. May God bring comfort and peace to all our family. Love you!
Debbie Ketchum
December 6, 2020 at 3:50 pmWith heartfelt sympathy, the gifted man of many hats called Ken will be greatly missed.
Hugs and prayers from our family tree limb to yours.
Dave & Linda Willard
December 6, 2020 at 4:18 pmSo sorry to hear about this. May the peace that passes all understanding br yours during this sad time. Love you all.
Randii Smith
December 6, 2020 at 4:19 pmMy heart is broken. My uncle represented everything that is good in life and if he loved you, you never felt alone. We are all better people because he was in our life. He will always be my “Uncle Pud”.
Randy Bolley
December 6, 2020 at 4:37 pmWords can not covey my feelings for my adopted family. Ken (Dad) will forever be remembered as a man of many talents, support and kind words and the occasional stern look when needed. Always welcoming you to join in a few games of Duck Hunt In the wee hours when you stayed there. And share a cold Beer.
My deepest condolences and prayers to Jacqueline (Mom) Kerri and Kendra. Love and Hugs.
Renee Gleason
December 6, 2020 at 5:22 pmMy condolences to the Smith family. I remember when we used to come over and visit when I was younger. We were always treated as family. Rest well Ken.
Mark/Sandy Schikorra
December 6, 2020 at 6:25 pmIt’s with heavy hearts that Mark and I say farewell to Ken, a one of a kind man. Always enjoyed golfing, GM functions and especially the “banter” we shared with Ken. He used to love to get me going on a number of topics! Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family Jackie.
Jereva Christensen
December 6, 2020 at 8:41 pmMy deepest condolences to all the Smith family in the death of this special man. I knew him as my sister’s brother-in-law. I was blessed to be included occasionally in the Smith family gatherings. Ken was a kind, friendly man who first and foremost showed how much he loved Jackie. I know my sister, Pat, was blessed by having him in her life. I pray for all of your family as you grieve your loss.
Tom Westgate
December 6, 2020 at 9:48 pmThank you Ken for being a father to more than just your own children you will be missed.
My deepest condolences to the entire family. I am so sorry for your loss.
Jodie & Shannon O’Brien
December 7, 2020 at 6:19 amWith deepest Sympathy to Kendra & the Smith family! Sending prayers,love & hugs to Kendra & family. He was a great father,great family man & good person.
Gregory Schmerber
December 7, 2020 at 9:34 amHey Kendra, very sorry for your loss. My heart is with you. Lost my father a year ago, and I’ll always miss him, Dads are irreplaceable. God Bless my friend.
Pam Manns
December 7, 2020 at 9:41 amSending lots of love and hugs to the Smith family.he was a beautiful person and will be missed by lots
RuthAnn Hancock
December 7, 2020 at 12:27 pmMy love, thoughts and prayers are with you all! And my heart feels broken with all of yours. Love you Ken…you touch my life in so many ways. You will always be part of who I am!
Margaret Nichols
December 9, 2020 at 1:15 pmHe was silently in the background whenever I stopped by. He would give a little smile and tilt his head then leave the room. Then Jackie and I would continue our conversation and laughter. I hate that you have to go through this pain. Please be at peace Love, Peggy Mom Nichols
Cindy Redmond
December 25, 2020 at 4:48 amKnowing Ken all these years has been such a blessing to me I always felt that Ken and Jackie were my second parents. Ken always had a smile for me and he liked to pick on me a little too. Ken I’m going to miss you so much as is all your loved ones. My uncle Ken thank you for being such a rock in our family a study oak tree one of our strongest branches, you’ll be sorely missed.