Kenneth Eugene Smith

Kenneth Eugene Smith (aka Kenny, Smitty, Ken) passed away in a tragic traffic accident on January 2, 2024 at the age of 83.  He was born on September 8, 1940, in Delhi, Illinois to the late Hayden and Ethel Smith.

Kenneth grew up in Southern Illinois where he got a scholarship for basketball.  He started college but decided to join the AirForce where he met and married the love of his life, Linda Mathis while stationed in Clovis, New Mexico. They lived in Southern Illinois and Jonestown, Texas before settling in the Bastrop area in 1976 with their 3 kids and their dog, Missy.  Kenneth’s masonry work may be seen on several structures around Central Texas created while he had his own masonry business from 1976-2024.  He has been a rancher in Rockne Texas since 1993.

For years, Kenneth was known far and wide as the indestructible man; surviving a run in with a bull that almost punctured his lung and falling off a jetty in Matagorda, and many close calls with may-pop tires.  His wife always said he had an angel on his shoulder.

Many people looked up to Kenneth because he was a man of his word; known for his honesty and generosity. He had an endearing stubbornness, especially when it came to working on vehicles most would have turned to scrap.

He loved to watch college football and Westerns.  He also loved hunting, fishing, tinkering with tractors and working with cattle.  Kenneth was very good natured, and he especially loved being with family (especially his grandchildren) and friends.  “The more the Merrier” was his mantra, and he meant it.  The bigger the get together, the bigger the smile on his face.  He was well loved by many and will be sorely missed by his family and his community.

Kenneth joins his late wife Linda, son Kerry, son Kevin, brother Norman Smith and his parents-Ethel and Hayden Smith in Heaven.

He is survived by his Sister Tossie Scharfenberg of Illinois, daughter, Kristi Cleveland of Manchaca, TX, and grandkids: Jonathan, Jeffrey, and Ariel of Bastrop; Bethany and Dustin of Manchaca; and Southerland of San Antonio and Dalton of Austin.  He also had 6 great-grandkids: Bentley, Apollo, Levi, Linley, Ivy and Ren and many nieces and nephews.

Kenneth’s family would like to thank the community of Rockne, TX for stepping up and helping through this difficult time; Leanna and Elwood Socia of Arkansas for always being there for him either by phone or in person with a cold beer.   The family would also like to express appreciation to everyone who has reached out with offers to help, prayers and condolences.

There will be a graveside service with military honors Friday, January 12, 2024, with a memorial/reception following at the VFW in Rockne, TX.