1924 - 2024
Funeral services for Kenneth Vernon Smith, 99, of Enid, will be 2:00 pm, Wednesday, March 6, 2024 at Oakwood Christian Church with Pastor Alan Seibel officiating. Burial will follow in Memorial Park Cemetery under the direction of Ladusau-Evans Funeral Home and Crematory.
Kenneth was born May 25, 1924 in Durham, Kansas to Jacob and Lydia (Koehn) Smith, and passed away February 25, 2024 at the United Methodist Commons in Enid.
Kenneth was raised on farms near Meno, OK. In 1943 at the age of 18, Kenneth enlisted in the US Army and served in an anti-aircraft artillery unit, fighting on Luzon Island, Philippines. After the war, he attended Oklahoma State A & M at Okmulgee studying building houses.
On May 2, 1947 Kenneth married Bernadine Mae Wagoner.
From 1948 to 1956, Kenneth worked for Long Bell Lumber Co.; where he learned to build cabinets. From 1956 to 1961 he lived and farmed in Coyle and built houses in Stillwater. From 1961 to 1968 he farmed in Fairmont and worked for Lee Unruh building houses. From 1968 to 1986 he founded and ran the Smith Construction Co. From 1986 to 2004 Kenneth was a master carpenter for Edgewood Arms, Winchester West and Indian Oaks apartments.
In his post home building years Kenneth made various pieces of furniture and craft items. He made a roll top desk and a very nice China cabinet. He made wooden bowls using a wood lathe. He made decorative shelves for displaying glass figurines and many other household items.
Kenneth is survived by seven children: Kenneth Smith Jr and wife Ruth, of Piedmont, OK; Judy Henderson and husband Eldon, of Enid; Sherrie Reed of Enid; Gayla Hopkins of Enid; Troy Smith and wife Michelle, of Enid; Deanie Jaggers and husband Matt, of Tompsons Station, TN; and Terry Smith and wife Patty, of Johnstown, CO; as well as a multitude of grand, great-grand, and great-great-grandchildren.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Jacob and Lydia, and wife Bernadine.
Memorial contributions in Kenneth’s name may be made to Oakwood Christian Church with Ladusau-Evans serving as custodian of the funds.
Funeral Home in Charge
