Kenneth Charles Smith

Kenneth Charles Smith was born on August 17, 1951, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to Albert and Josephine Dolores Penvose Smith. Ken spent his childhood in Punxsutawney, PA where he enjoyed many adventures with his cousins and best friend, Bob Young. He had many fond memories of those carefree days.

Ken graduated from Punxsutawney Area High School in 1969 and worked in the area until attending New York School of Photography. In 1974 Ken joined the United States Air Force, which brought him to his beloved Texas. In his Air Force career, he was in the Security Police Force. After the death of a good friend and fellow Security Police member, he transferred to Civil Engineering, where he was a bricklayer. Ken finished his four-year enlistment and enrolled in San Antonio College. Ken met his wife during those Air Force years. Ken always remarked on how God brought a girl from Nebraska to Texas, to meet a boy from Pennsylvania. Ken worked in USAF Civil Service in Benefits and Retirements and retired after 39 years.

In 1977 the Air Force moved Ken and Debby from Big Spring, Texas to Randolph Air Force Base. That year they welcomed their first child, Michelle. This began Ken's great love affair he had for his children. Michelle was joined by Matthew in 1982 and Monique in 1984. Where their daddy was, they were also. They built memories at the ballfield, as spectators or players. Ken helped coach softball and baseball for his children and grandchildren. Sometimes those adventures were in the driveway as he did car maintenance, teaching the tool names and uses, as the music blared from the car speakers.

Ken was a very hands-on dad. Diaper duty, toddler chasing to eventually, homework. He made sure the children did their homework and could be found quizzing them for tests or teaching multiplication tables. Ken was very intelligent, and he wanted his children to use their minds. He helped to instill a great work ethic in his children. Chores were not negotiable; laziness wasn't acceptable and whatever you put your hand to was to be done to the best of your ability. He often quoted scriptures to remind the children who they were really serving with their daily tasks and activities.

When the church doors were open, Ken was there. Over the years he coached softball at Tabernacle Baptist Church, served as junior church leader and a youth director. He loved going to church camp as a counselor. He served as a greeter, usher, deacon, and sang in the choir. He helped in many community outreach endeavors.

Ken loved music. In his later years he discovered karaoke and enjoyed singing older country music. Ken was often called upon to sing the national anthem at retirement ceremonies on Randolph. Ken participated and made three rounds of Randolph Star Search. Everyone loved his deep voice.

As Ken welcomed each child, they held a dear spot in his heart. His eldest and mini-me, his son and like-minded sports lover and his baby girl. His pride in them often brought him to humble tears. He felt so blessed to be trusted with these wonderful human beings. He was proud of their successes, cried over hurts and perceived failures and prayed always. He loved them each dearly.

Then came the grandbabies! Twelve - six of each. His pride and love just grew. Each was so special to Papa. From the first to call him grandpa to the youngest one. He enjoyed their school programs, sporting and musical events and overnight visits. He loved celebrating each child's birthday at the restaurant of their choice. He loved buying little girl dresses, first bikes, and making sure each child was involved in a sport or musical activity. His smile lit up a room when they came to visit. He loved them and was so proud of each one.

Together, Ken and Debby were partners. They faithfully loved each other. They weathered storms, hardships, hurts and disappointments. It did not break them, together, it made them stronger. God was the head of their household. Where one was weak, the other was strong. Together, unbreakable.

Ken was diagnosed with Parkinsons+/Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP) seven years ago. Ken enjoyed several years with minimal symptoms but began a rapid decline in November of 2024. His greatest wish was a family Christmas in 2024, and it happened.

Ken leaves behind his wife, Debby. Daughter, Michelle Gaulden (Gregg) and their children; Alyssa, Tyler, Gabriel, and Ashton. Son, Chaplain Matthew Smith (Rebecca) and their children; Brianna, Demi, and Carolina. Daughter, Monique Semersky (TJ) and their children; Aedan, Caydence, Bentley, Kaysen, and Harper. Sisters; Doris Luce, Naomi Kallas, Pam Wachob, Colleen Troxell and Sandy Chotiner and many family and friends.

He was preceded in death by born sleeping son, Marc, his mother, Dolores Peace, Stepfather Ray, Father, Albert Smith, Stepmother Grace, and sister Gail, Debby's parents and several dear family members and friends.