Kenneth’s Obituary Kenneth Smith, age 83, of Childress passed away on January 23, 2019. Visitation will be held from 6 to 7:30 PM on Friday, January 25, 2019 at Johnson Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at 2 PM on Saturday, January 26, 2019 at the Childress Church of Christ with Mr. Trey Morgan, Pastor, officiating.
Burial will follow in Childress Cemetery under the direction of Johnson Funeral Home. Kenneth was born on August 5, 1935 in Childress to Martin N. and Annie B. (Angel) Smith. He graduated from Childress High School in 1952.
On October 9, 1954, he married the love of his life, Barbara Rothwell. They shared 64 years together, raising a family, working, and sharing love and laughter together. Kenneth served his country in the United States Army for 2 years, during which time he was a Missile Launcher.
Kenneth was a hard worker, and after they were married he worked for a Chevrolet Dealer. During his military service, he was stationed in Washington State. After those two years in the Army, he returned back to Childress and worked for Burlington Northern Railroad.
They were then transferred to Denver, Colorado in 1969. Kenneth worked for the railroad for 19 years. After overseeing Denver, he oversaw Aurora, Illinois, and then transferred to Chicago and Minnesota before returning to Childress.
It was at this time, in 1972, that they purchased Childress Lumber Company, which was located in downtown Childress at that time. Kenneth was a Christian man and served as Deacon at the Childress Church of Christ for many years. He also served on the Finance and Budget Committee, as well as the Building Committee.
He loved and cherished his Church family. Kenneth was an incredible husband and father and loved his family, and they gave him great pride and joy. His granddaughters always said that he was the best babysitter ever!
He will be missed dearly by his family and many others. Kenneth was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers Marvin Smith and Jimmy Smith, one son Brent Edward Smith, a sister Fern Marie Castleberry, and by his mother and father-in-law, Arthur and Gladys Rothwell. Survivors include his devoted wife, Barbara of Childress; two sons, Keith Smith and wife, Wendy of Childress, and Mike Smith of Childress; three granddaughters, Katelyn Smith of Omaha, Nebraska, and Kailey Smith and Kristen Smith both of Lubbock; and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Westview Boys Home, 120 W Broadway St, Hollis, OK 73550.
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