Kenneth Lee Smith Jr.

Kenneth Lee Smith Jr. was born on April 24, 1943 in Wagoner, Oklahoma to Kenneth and Berlene Smith.  His family and friends affectionally called him Bud or Smokey.  Kenneth was the oldest of two children.  He was raised in Kansas City, Kansas and graduated from Sumner High School in 1961. He married Ilaine (Collins) in 1962 and the couple welcomed two daughters, Kimberli and Kandice.  Kenneth and Ilaine later divorced but remained close friends.

Kenneth began working at the Golden Ox Restaurant as a sous chef.  In 1963, he joined Trans World Airlines (TWA) as a custodian. He attended trade school at night to earn an Airframe and Powerplant license, which qualified him to work as a Jet Engine Mechanic.  This career continued for over 45 years at TWA and then American Airlines.  He retired in 2008.

Kenneth mostly loved spending time with his family.  He also enjoyed cooking, reading, gardening, bowling, dominoes, pool, welding, sculpting, woodworking, landscaping, working on classic cars, hunting, traveling, and playing the harmonica.  He played intermural softball and basketball.  Kenneth attended Strangers Rest Baptist Church where he sang in the choir.  He was an active member of Sumner High School Class of 1961.

Kenneth was preceded in death his parents, Kenneth and Berlene Smith.  He is survived by his daughters, Kimberli Johnson (William) and Kandice Smith-Brembry (Andre); grandchildren, Skylar Johnson, Andre Brembry II (Kaci), Sydney Johnson, and Kelsey Brembry; great-grandchildren, Saige Jordan, Saniya Jordan, and Keira Brembry; sister, Carla Issac (Marvin); aunt, Edna McNack; uncle, Clarence Washington; and companion, Myra Atkinson.  Along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

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