Kenneth Eugene Smith

Kenneth Eugene Smith, 102, passed away on June 28, 2024. He was born on July 17, 1921on the family farm in Auglaize County, Ohio to Clarence and Bernice (Eshelman) Smith. He grew up farming corn, wheat, oats, hay, soybeans, 150 chickens, and 4 cows. Ken graduated from Memorial High School in St. Marys, Ohio in 1940. He went on to earn a 2 year accounting degree from Miami University.

Ken proudly served his country in the US Army during World War II. He served from 1942 to 1946, mostly in the South Pacific, in New Guinea, and Okinawa. He was a sergeant in charge of providing over 1,500 loaves of bread a day to feed his unit.

After his discharge, Ken moved to Lansing, Michigan and worked REO Motors, National Cash Register, Oldsmobile, REO as a tool and die maker, and made his career at Adams Tool & Engineering until his retirement in 1984.

Ken is survived by his children, Kenneth, Alan, Cheryl, and Kevin; 8 grandchildren; 7 great grandchildren, and 7 nieces and nephew. He was preceded in death by his wife, Clara Joan (Walker) Smith; son, Clair E. Smith; sisters, Lois, June, and Mary Margaret; brothers-in-law, Bruce (Cathy) Walker, Willis Wiehe, and Orville Opperman.

Ken had several hobbies; dancing, boating, playing euchre and Skippo. What Ken loved doing best was fishing. He enjoyed putting on a fish fry with his catches. Ken also was involved with many organizations; the Loyal Order of Moose, Fraternal Order of Eagles, The VFW, American Legion #238, and was a Free Mason (3rd Degree Master Mason). Ken also had the honor of being the Grand Marshall for numerous Holt Holiday Parades.

A family graveside service will be held at Deepdale Memorial Gardens on Saturday, July 13, 2024 at 11:00 am.

A Celebration of Life for Ken will be held Sunday, September 22, 2024 at 2pm at Mason-Holt Fraternal Order of Eagles (1111 North Cedar St., Mason, MI 48854).