Kenneth Robert Smith, 81, of Houston, entered into rest on Monday, May 1, 2023 at his home surrounded by his loving family.
Kenneth was born on December 15, 1941 in Alton, Illinois, the son of Robert Dewey Smith and Norma Helen Stewart Smith. After receiving his Master’s Degree in electrical engineering, he married Janice Marie Gentry in West Plains, Missouri on Dec. 21, 1969. He was employed by the Department of Defense for 26 years as an electrical engineer in weapons development, specializing in infrared laser technology. He enjoyed working and building their home and developing their property. He loved being on the lake, water skiing and boating. Kenneth was a good friend of the neighbors in Dogwood Lane Subdivision on Smith Lake.
The family will receive friends on Saturday, June 10, 2023 from 11 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. at Nichols Funeral Home in Addison. A brief memorial service will be held at 11:30 a.m. Following the memorial service, a celebration of life and meal will be held at Dogwood Lane Subdivision Beach Pavilion on Smith Lake. All are welcome to attend.
Kenneth is survived by his wife, Janice Marie Gentry Smith; sisters, Donna Irene Bartley, and Susan Elizabeth Walker and her husband Edward; aunt, Mary “Me Adda” Stewart Caminiti and her husband Frank; brothers-in-law, Curtis Gentry and wife Vera, and Ken Gentry and wife Janet; ten nieces and nephews; many grand nieces and nephews; and a host of Smith and Stewart first cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Interment will be held at a later date in Oak Lawn Cemetery in West Plains, Missouri.
