Obituary of Kenneth Edward Smith, JR.

Ken was born December 1, 1945, the first son of Edward and Glayds Smith, in upstate New York in the community of Binghamton. He was the eldest of six children and enjoyed a typical childhood. Aviation has always been in Ken’s soul. As a young teenager he was a member of the Civil Air Patrol and dreamed of being able to fly. But first he would fulfill a commitment to his country. He joined the Army at the beginning of the Vietnam war and served a year in Vietnam. He continued his service in Nevada and then onto Germany. He spent 3 years in Germany and became close friends with the Manfred Schmidt family. This friendship has endured for more than 50 years with many trips to the Fatherland and many wonderful memories made. After the Army, his love of aviation led him to Eastern Airlines in Miami, FL. He had earned his A&P and enjoyed working on the aircraft. He later transitioned to American Airlines which brought him to Tulsa. He soon was caught up in the local, small aircraft community at Sandridge Airpark. He was able to acquire a Cessna 150 and fulfill his dream of flying and living on a small airport. In June of 1998 he married “the best thing that ever happened to him” Leslie. They had 23 years of marriage. He always said he wished he had met her sooner so he could love her longer. Ken was a wonderful step dad to Jill and Jason. But as great as it was to have a step son and step daughter, it was his three grandchildren that gave his heart the most joy. Oldest is Emily (Deaton) occupying the corner of his heart only a granddaughter can have. Next is David (Forbes). Ken had the honor of having David in his home for his first eight years. A miraculous bond was formed in those years. Youngest of his trio is Hayden (Deaton). Ken was so excited to begin again with a new baby in the family. Children in his life was a hope for Ken and these three grandchildren were a dream come true. He was so proud to be their “Opa”. Ken was a believer in his Lord and Savior and a hardworking and faithful member of First United Methodist Church. Many of his church family will feel his loss. Those who will dearly miss this man are his wife Leslie, step daughter Jill Deaton (Tony) of Yukon, OK, and step son Jason Wilcox (Lisa) of Reno, NV; granddaughter Emily of San Francisco, grandsons David Forbes of Collinsville and Hayden Deaton of Yukon; sisters Kathy Mackin (Joe), PattieLynn Kochis (Paul) both from NY, Roxanne Giafrante of FL; brothers Jim Smith and Joe Smith (Janice) of NY; and many other wonderful family. NO VIEWING.........