Kenneth Howard Smith Jr.

Kenneth Howard Smith Jr. was born to Kenneth H. Smith Sr. and Marjory J. (Pellerin) Smith on November 23, 1953 in Limestone Air Force Base, Maine. Ken, age 71, passed away on April 7, 2025 in Omaha, Nebraska.

In his younger years Ken was active in band, sports, and boy scouts. In highschool he was active on the diving team and hanging out with his friends. Ken graduated from Ralston High School in 1972 then enlisted in the US Coast Guard right after during Vietnam. He graduated at the top of his class in bootcamp, with choice of duty station, he chose Governors Island, New York Yeoman School. Before reporting for his first duty station he went back home to Omaha, Nebraska and married Pamela K Albrecht in Yankton, South Dakota in 1972. Ken traveled in the Coast Guard and overtime had 2 wonderful children, Chad and Crystal.

Ken's joy was our family and seeing their accomplishments and happiness in school as well as being part of their interests and activities as much as possible.

Ken retired from The U.S. Army in 1993 as Sergeant First Class with over 20 years service and several medals and accommodations, such as National Defence service medal, army service ribbon, army good conduct medal, coast guard unit citation, meritorious service medal, and army achievement medal. After Ken retired from the military he had several jobs in sales and service. Ken got the job he enjoyed at TD2 Surveying and became a part of the crew in surveying and made crew chief until his health forced him to change to an indoor job. He became a religious book store employee and that's when he retired for good.

Ken's favorite pastimes were tinkering around the house, gardening, woodworking, and to keep fit by running and running marathons in Omaha. Ken loved to help our kids, family, and friends in any way he could inside or outside.

Ken & Pam enjoyed over 52 years of marriage.

Ken is survived by his wife, Pamela; son, Chad (Ginny); daughter, Crystal (Nick); grandchildren, Christopher, Marci, William, Jacob, Evan, Abigail, and Sophia; siblings, Nelson, Debbie, Glenn (Kathy), and Brian (Jessica).

Ken was preceded in death by parents, sister, and sister-in-law.

A visitation for Kenneth will be held Sunday, April 13, 2025 from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Westlawn-Hillcrest Funeral Home, 5701 Center St, Omaha, Nebraska 68106. A graveside service with military honors will occur Monday, April 14, 2025 at 9:00 AM at Omaha National Cemetery, 14250 Schram Rd, Omaha, Nebraska 68138. A memorial service will occur Monday, April 14, 2025 at 11:00 AM, 5701 Center St, Omaha, Nebraska 68106.