Kenneth J. Smith, 91, of Mount Vernon went home to his Lord and heavenly family on Thursday morning, January 11, 2024 at Knox Community Hospital. He was born on January 27, 1932 in Detroit, Michigan to the late Lawrence and Blanche (Mason) Smith.
Soon after marrying his high school sweetheart, Patricia Monteith, Ken graduated from the University of Michigan in 1954, with degrees in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering. He honorably served in the US Army and was stationed at Fort Rucker, Alabama from 1956 to 1958. Ken spent most of his career with Cooper Bessemer and Cooper Rolls in Mount Vernon. He enjoyed the engineering profession, and it allowed him to travel and make lifelong friends from many different corners of the world. He retired from Cooper Rolls in 1994 after nearly 25 years of service.
Ken had a great retirement and continued to enjoy many traveling adventures with Pat, his siblings, and his many friends. He also pursued his love of woodworking and tinkering. Ken’s favorite activity was spending many days swimming, fishing, and boating at Apple Valley with his neighbors and family. He especially loved watching his grandchildren participate in many different school and sporting events. He will be remembered as a loving and loyal husband, father, grandfather, and a compassionate friend.
Ken was an active member of the Mount Vernon First Presbyterian Church and enjoyed participating in many church events, study groups, and outreach programs. He loved his church family and the support and comfort they provided him and others, especially during the latter part of his retirement.
Ken is survived by his children, Gregory R. (Nancy) Smith, Geoffrey L. (Rhonda) Smith and Karen E. (Jeffery) Irvin; grandchildren, Kelly, Holly, Mason (Deepika), Jason (Cherish), Samuel, Caleb (Anna) and Elizabeth; great grandchildren, Ellenor, Brantley, Charlotte, and Alaina.
In addition to his parents, Ken was preceded in death by his wife, Patricia J. (Monteith) Smith on November 5, 2019.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Tuesday, January 16, 2024 at the First Presbyterian Church, 106 North Gay St., Mount Vernon with Rev. Ross Slaughter officiating. Family will receive friends one hour prior to the service, and again following the service in Fellowship Hall. A private interment will take place at Mount Vernon Memorial Gardens.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the American Heart Association or to the First Presbyterian Church Hot Meals program in memory of Ken.
To share a memory or send the family an expression of sympathy visit www.snyderfuneralhomes.com
The Snyder Funeral Homes, Dowds Chapel is honored to serve the family of Kenneth J. Smith.
Funeral Home: Snyder Funeral Homes, Dowds Chapel
Website: www.snyderfuneralhomes.com