Kenneth J. Smith
July 12, 1942 ~ September 27, 2024
Kenneth J. Smith, age 82 of Madison passed away Friday, September 27, 2024 at UH Cleveland Medical Center. He was born July 12, 1942 in Cleveland Heights, the son of the late Norman and Elizabeth (Kinnaird) Smith. He married Joyce Jayne on August 8, 1964 in Cleveland Heights.
A 1961 Graduate of Cleveland Heights High School Ken studied at Fenn College. A Tool and Die Maker he worked for Lynd Tool and Die, True Temper, Caterpillar, Curtiss Industries and Lincoln Electric.
Living in the home built together with his brother, father and grandfather, Ken was an avid outdoorsman and he enjoyed camping, hunting, fishing, bike riding, and cross-country skiing. He was proud of his lifetime membership to the NRA. Ken had a big smile for anyone he met and his family brought so much joy to his life. He cherished the time spent with his grandchildren. Living life to the fullest Ken lived by the motto “We are only here for a visit” and his was a good one.
He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Joyce (Jayne) Smith; children, Keith (Christine) Smith, Gerald “Jerry” Smith, and Catherine (Mike) Zembower; 8 grandchildren, Courtney (Adam) Tackett, Kurt (Isabella), Connor (Alexandria Beuoy), Clay, Zachary (Kami Stark), Logan, Ashton, and Joshua (Brianna Smith); 4 great grandchildren, Bella, Adam “AJ”, Cooper, and Thomas; brother, Raymond (Linda) Smith. He was preceded in death by his parents.
Friends and family will be received from 2:00 to 4:00pm on Sunday, October 6, 2024 at the Behm Family Funeral Home, 26 River St., Madison. A Memorial Celebration will begin at 4:00pm at the funeral home. Online Obituary and guestbook at www.behmfuneral.com
Services
Visitation: Sunday, October 6, 2024 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Behm Family Funeral Homes - Madison
26 River Street,
Madison, OH 44057
(440) 428-4401
Memorial Service: Sunday, October 6, 2024 4:00 pm
Behm Family Funeral Homes - Madison
26 River Street,
Madison, OH 44057
(440) 428-4401
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Terry and I are so sad to hear if Ken’s passing! Sending you much love and many prayers. Sure am going to miss him!
Much love
Barb and Terry
I’ve never known the love and warmth you could receive from a grandfather, until I met him. Even though I’m not one of his biological grandchildren, he welcomed me with open arms like I was. He has the most beautiful smile, the most comforting hugs, and I got to experience a kind of love that I can only thank him for. I feel very blessed I got to meet him when I did, and I’d like to thank his family for letting me experience that as well. He is very loved, and will surely be missed.
Joyce and family,
I am so sorry to hear about your loss of Ken. I met him only a couple of times, but I know that he was a wonderful husband, father and grandfather. I’m sending you hugs and prayers.
Karen Matters
Great family! My dad is a high school friend of his. I remember their house and hanging out with his kids who were great and around my age. Good memories. I pray God brings peace to the Smith family.
So sorry for your loss. I know what you are going through😔
Marcia
Ken and I met on our first day at Cleveland Heights High School. We were assigned to the same sophomore homeroom and have been friends ever since. A conversation with Ken always included good natured humor and lots of smiles. He was a man of many talents but never boasted about them. I will miss him, especially at our annual Squire reunions.
My prayers and sincere sympathy to Joyce and the family, many great times together since grade school. My friend had the best sense of humor and great smile, I will miss you my dear Ken, may you rest in peace.
Joyce and Family, please accept the sincere sympathy and condolences of the Evan & Marie Francis Family in the loss of Ken. We count you as special friends and neighbors whom we have known and valued over the years; our thoughts and prayers are with you this day and always.
So sorry for your loss.
Doug, Michele & Family
Having a brother like Ken is like having Johnny Carson, Jackie Gleason, and Bob Hope wrapped up all in one person. The simplest comment he could turn into laughter.
As kids we built boats, we prepared canoes and used them to go camping. Ken, Joyce, Kids, Linda and I piled into a crew cab truck one year and went to Florida to see our parents for Christmas. Imagine 20 hours in the truck with some of the antics he pulled, plus we had the Christmas tree and decorations with us. Even in illness he always had humor.
With all our love, Ray and Linda.
We’re only here in a visit, see you on the other side.