Kenneth L. Smith

Kenneth (Kenny) L. Smith of Hannibal, Missouri was born to John and Jean Smith on September 24, 1945, in Cherokee, Iowa. The eldest of four children, Kenny passed away peacefully on Saturday, March 22, 2025. Surrounded by loved ones, he experienced the true love that only the closest family members can provide. In return, they were blessed to be in the presence of a man who had shown them throughout his life what sheer determination looked like. We, his loved ones, are convinced he is now enjoying an even better address, one where the views far exceed those that he had enjoyed by living near the banks of the Mississippi River. Raised on a farm in southern Cherokee County, Kenny graduated from Willow High School in 1963. Due to school consolidations back then, he was able to play football for the last two years of high school. Thus, every Friday night was a highlight for him and a truly “long night” for any opposing lineman playing across from him. When not on the gridiron, Kenny frequented the dance hall. His dance practice was private unless caught by his siblings. Who would believe he and his friends welcomed the Beach Boys to a local dance hall and ushered in Beatlemania over 60 years ago! Upon graduation, he eventually enlisted in the United States Navy. Kenny was a man of few words, a trait the Navy apparently valued. As two officers arrived on the family farm one day to discuss Kenny’s preference for reconnaissance missions, his father, a WW II Marine veteran himself, said, “If you want someone tough who will not say anything, he is your man.” Some would argue that was an understatement and that his son was overly qualified! He was honorably discharged after 5 years, having received the National Defense Service Medal though, of course, he told no one! He loved animals and they loved him. During his farming years, rarely could he be found without one or two dogs in his truck. Many may have called him a goose whisperer. After all, the farm family goose would follow Kenny anywhere and chase everyone else away. Kenny was known for being kind. After his father passed, he focused on his mother’s loneliness. Knowing she loved letters but that few people wrote them anymore (except her), he purchased a machine that would automatically shoot out people’s emails in letter format. She was so appreciative and he, for that period of time, led the family to the discovery of such technology. Years later his focus flowed to his yard, especially his enthusiasm for gardening. It was the root of spring discussions with his sister who has the same love for gardening. To this day, among the favorites in her garden are the plants he sent her. Kenny was also honest, extremely humble and overflowing with integrity. A loving husband, father, father- in-law, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend, he looked for the good in people. Then, if he was unable to find it, he lived by the adage, “If you cannot say something good about someone, do not say anything at all!” However, though often a man of few words, nothing brought a smile to his face and a welcomed conversation more than when he was asked about his family. Kenny is survived by Fran, his wife of nearly 40 years of Hannibal, Mo.; his daughter, Kris (John) Abbott of Palmyra, Mo.; his daughter, Tracy (Brandon) Clyburn of St. Louis, Mo.; granddaughters, McKenna Abbott of Palmyra; Mason and Ainsley Clyburn of St. Louis, Mo.; and a grandson, Peyton (Isabelle) Abbott of Palmyra, Mo. In addition, he is survived by his sister, Sharon (Fred) Lovrien of Sioux Falls, S. D.; Gerald (Carol) Smith of Holstein, Ia.; Darrell (Gloria) Smith of Overland Park, Ks.; two nieces, five nephews and endless cousins and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents. The family is planning to have private services. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to a local animal shelter of your choice as such services have always been near and dear to their hearts.