Kenneth P. Smith
Born October 22, 1948
Kenneth P. Smith, 68, of Newark, DE was born October 22, 1948 in Carlisle, PA and died as a result of an accident on Friday, April 7, 2017.
Ken always took pride in helping his country through his 35 years of work as an aerospace and defense contractor for the government and in the private sector.
Anyone who knew Ken was aware that he leaves a legacy of joy, love, and laughter “ often at his own jokes before he could deliver the punchline. He enjoyed finding a connection with everyone he met and could fall into easy conversation with anyone in any circumstance. At the center of his life was his profound love for his family. He adored his wife of 43 years, Pamela K. Smith, or as he liked to call her, Panida. Ken was an engaged and committed father who could never bear to discipline his children, Jennifer Smith Freymoyer and Andrew B. Smith, preferring instead to coach their sports teams, teach them something new, comfort them in sadness, or bore them in hours of detailed explanations of the newest technology. Fortunately, he found a captive audience in his grandchildren, who he also trained to address him as O Great, Wise, and Wonderful Grandfather of Mine. His six grandchildren (Gabriel Kenneth, Ainsley, Eli, Maggie, Joseph Lloyd, and baby due this July) inherit Ken’s love for good food and complex cooking techniques, his interest in engineering and science, and his playful spirit and childlike wonder of the world.
He treasured his close relationship with his sisters, Judy W. Culp and Betty J. Visser, with whom he spoke daily. In addition to the survivors listed above, he is survived by his daughter-in-law, Elizabeth M. Smith; son-in-law, Jason D. Freymoyer; brother-in-law, Don Culp; mother-in-law, D. JoAnn Barr; and brothers-in-law, Robert C. Barr and his wife, Jane and Steven Barr and his wife, Beate Ritz.
A memorial service will be held at 3pm on Saturday afternoon, May 20, 2017 at the Newark United Methodist Church, 69 E Main St, Newark, DE.
Memorial contributions can be made to The Battle Buddy Foundation, 8859 Cincinnati-Dayton Rd, Suite 202, West Chester, Ohio 45069 or by visiting www.tbbf.org.
Angela Kreider
With my deepest expression of condolence to the loved ones of Kenneth, to the all of his family and dear friends. Experiencing a loss is never easy and may the days be kind to you all as you remember Ken fondly through memories and beautiful stories.
Kelly & Scott Sullivan
Scott and I send our love, prayers and condolences to your family.
Laura Scott
We are blessed often in our lives by meeting, getting to know, and appreciate incredible people. Ken was one of the best. I am grateful he moved to the Atlanta area so he touched my life with humor, knowledge, and most of all, overflowing love of his family. My thoughts and prayers are with each of you. He is dancing and singing in the presence of our Lord!
Denise Reynolds
Ken was a joy to know and work with. The video is a beautiful tribute to such a fine gentleman that I was blessed to work with and laugh with. I have missed his kindness and smile since he retired and will cherish memories of him. My deepest sympathies to Ken’s family and many loved ones.
Dawn ross
Im sorry for your loss. I worked with Ken when he was in r&d at wright patterson afb oh. I will.fondly remember the jokes he told throughtout the day even in.our busiest of times. Your family will be in our prayers
Barbara and Bob Barclay
We are so sorry to hear of Ken’s passing. Our deepest condolences to Pam and the family. We remember Ken fondly through memories of Beavercreek.
Jim Forcum
I worked with Ken in AFRL R&D Contracting. Ken was always a joy to be around. Please accept my most profound condolences for your loss. I know he will be well remembered by so many.
Susan and Steve Brubaker
So so happy we spent time with you laughing and sipping Tequila. Thanks God we made that memory. Love and Prayers
Beth Rabine
I was so sorry to hear of Ken’s accident and passing. I first worked with Ken at Ramstein AFB, Germany, and then again when Ken was with Lockheed Martin in Marietta. You captured the essence of Ken’s quirky and fun personality perfectly in the obituary. I can just hear him coaching the grandkids to call him “Oh Wise One.” My condolences to the entire family for your tremendous loss.
Don & Grace Hobson...#24
We’re thinking about and praying for you.
Ray/Mim Krout
We will miss Ken’s quick wit and endearing smiles. I will remember his many intelligent, well thought out and sensible solutions to minor or major issues. Our sincere condolences to the family and especially Pam. GOD bless and rest in peace.
Ray/Mim Krout
We will miss Ken’s laugh and endearing smile. I will miss his well thought out solutions to minor and major issues. Our condolences to the family and especially Pam. GOD bless knowing Ken is at peace.
Barbara Strasser
Dear Pam and your wonderful family,
You know how we feel and we grieve deeply over the loss of dearest Ken. We were so blessed to have had you move next to us for your “Retirement” stage of life, to be nearer to family and enjoy some leisure time. You are like family to us and we are ready to assist you in any way we can. Our prayers are for Ken, who lives with his Lord after a life full of happiness and pride in his children and their children. Ken was a patriot and we will always admire and be grateful for his service, and yours, here and abroad, with our government’s best interest in mind.
May the love of the Lord and his peace surround you. The community shares in your great loss and we are all here for you to help ease your burden.
Love and blessings to you all, Barbara and Joe
Jenny Freymoyer
Thank you so much for your kind words about my dad. We are so grateful for the many beautiful stories that we have collected. Dad always made sure that we said, “I love you” before we said goodbye, and nothing was left unsaid. Love you and see you soon.
Andy Smith
Thank you for your kind words. The support and love of so many is felt. Dad always knew that Jenny’s church was an amazing fit. Your support now is appreciated.
Andy Smith
Thank you so much Laura. Dad always loved knowing that he was surrounded by those who loved him. Your love and friendship mean the world to us.
Jenny Freymoyer
My dad took me to work with him one time in Germany – I think I was 8. After about 30 minutes, I asked him, “Is this all that you do?” While the papers on his desk appeared boring, what was apparent, even at that age, was how he connected with others in the office – he genuinely enjoyed the people he worked with. Thank you for your kind words.
Andy Smith
Barb and Joe,
Thank you again for everything you have done for us. I know that Dad loved the time that he spent with you. He beamed and recounted many stories about the trip to Annapolis and enjoying meals together with you two. Thank you again for everything. You are an amazing example of love in action.
Jenny Freymoyer
Dad laugh was infectious! We would often start laughing at him laughing without really knowing what we were laughing at. Thank you for reaching out!
Jenny Freymoyer
Your prayers are so comforting to us right now!
Jenny Freymoyer
Thank you so much for sharing your memories with us. Dad loved his time in Germany and the people he was with at Lockheed!
Jenny Freymoyer
Mom has said that Dad really enjoyed your company. I’m so grateful you created that memory with him!
Jenny Freymoyer
Thank you!
Jenny Freymoyer
I know that he and all of us enjoyed those times together. Thank you for reaching out now – every kind word brings us comfort.
Jenny Freymoyer
My mom remembers how much dad enjoyed working with you. Thank you for your prayers – they are truly holding us up right now.
Sondra Malandro
Pam and Family, So sorry for your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Nancy Adams
It is with much sadness that I write these words of condolence to you and your family. I had the pleasure of working with Ken in the mid-nineties. Not only was Ken an outstanding Contracting Officer but a wonderful mentor to the many buyers who were fortunate enough to be assigned to him. I knew I could count on Ken to tackle the most difficult assignments, get them done right, and often requiring much tact, diplomacy, and patience. He was a great leader and role model to our junior workforce. I know how much he loved and treasured his family as he shared many stories of his precious time with you. I am truly sorry for your loss.
Sondra and Dave Wayman
We have great memories of being together in Germany when Ken and Dave worked together. We appreciated the fact that Ken (and PAM) kept in touch for all these years. We are praying for all the family during this very difficult time.
Jenny Freymoyer
Mom is so grateful for your note! Thank you!
Jenny Freymoyer
Mentoring was one of Dad’s favorite parts of the job! Thank you for sharing your kind memories – he carried those traits you mentioned into his relationships with his grandchildren.
Jenny Freymoyer
Thank you so much for your prayers. I remember how much respect my Dad had for you when we were in Germany, and how Dad and Mom also enjoyed the contact with both of you over the years. It means so much that you reached out now!
Shiela
I’m sorry to hear about your loss and wanted to share the Bible’s hope of a resurrection at John 5:28,29 at a time when there is no more sickness pain or death right here on earth according to Revelation 21:3,4.Please read these scriptures and may the god of comfort give you comfort in this time of bereavement.
Mike Smith
Cousin Mike sends his sincere condolences! Separated by miles, I always enjoyed family reunions in CA, and especially the cousin reunion in Atlanta where I loved listening to Ken. An aerospace engineer, I shared his connection with aviation. In recent years, he has shared some information he had on Wayne’s flying career, and that he had a briefcase of Wayne’s. I was hoping to visit soon so he could proudly share with me in person his father’s flying legacy.
Thank you for the words and video! They convey so well so much of his life, and especially his enthusiasm and love for his family, which he received back from them.
Cousin Kenny, you are missed. But what great memories of him we all have. We continue to pray for family and friends.
Claire Priester
My heart goes out to you, Pam, and all your family. His going was too soon. May you feel God’s loving presence with you especially strongly.
Love,
Claire
Pam Smith
Thank you for your prayers Mike. Ken also enjoyed the reunions and talks about anything related to aerospace. I’m grateful for his family and the love they share for each other.
Bob and Belen Sarwacinski
We send our most heart felt condolences to the Smith family.
We’ll never forget our tea parties at the Hotel Del Coronado.
Cherished memories with great neighbors.
God bless.
Bob and Belen
San Diego
Belen M. Sarwacinski
Dear Lord, you have taken Ken a a little early than expected. But Jesus I do not blame you for calling Ken home so soon. I believe God liked Ken’s spirit and other Angels needed Ken’s present.
Ken will always be missed. His laugh was contagious. Life was good for him no matter what.
He was easy going and loved his family. He was definite a role model for the family.
Ken may you rest in our Lord’s presence and someday we will laugh together again.
Ken, next time we go to Coronado with Pam please arrive early and save us a seat.
Ken you will always be remember your old neighborhood in SD remembered your kind heart.
Love,
Belen Sarwacinski
Don Jordan
I have resisted since Ken’s passing signing the guest book because doing so is to truly acknowledge the loss of a wonderful person who I truly enjoyed being with. I have such wonderful memories of Ken that even though we didn’t see each other much the past couple years, each and every time I saw him it was as if we just shared jokes the day before. I can’t recollect a time during the many years we knew each other that we didn’t laugh at current experiences and didn’t shy away from reminiscing about our shared experiences in Germany. The closet time I saw a Ken a bit tense, and it was very well controlled, was when my son taught Andy how to hang from the garage door while someone else hit the “up” button. We laughed about it later as a Ken was always able to do. Pam, I will dearly miss your loving and caring husband but will cherish the memories until I see him again. God speed to the Smith family and take great pride in the love everyone felt for a wonderful man.