Kenneth L. Smith, 79, of Mendota passed away at his home on Wednesday, June 14, 2023 surrounded by his loving family.

The family is having a private burial Monday, June 19, 2023 at 3:00 p.m. at Troy Grove Cemetery in Troy Grove, IL. with military honors by Mendota VFW Post 4079. Following the burial there will be a celebration of life at Ziggies Restaurant at 4:00 p.m. in Mendota, IL.  Merritt Funeral Home, Mendota is assisting the family.

Ken was born October 5, 1943 in Shabonna, IL, the son of Stanley and Marion (Richards) Smith. In his first marriage he had two daughters whom he loved dearly.  He later married Kathryn J. Smith on January 21, 1987, he then gained three amazing bonus daughters.

Surviving are his daughters, Kris Smith of Sterling, Kendra (Ed) Harrington of Coleta, Wendy (Jay) Klatt of Mendota, Dawn (Rob) McCollom of Mendota and Jodell "Joey" Jarman of Normal. He has 12 grandchildren: Tyler Barnes, Brooklyn (Dan) Loos, Jacob Barnes, Cheyenne Harrington, Payton Klatt, Jerett Harrington, Karsyn Klatt, Kennedy McCollom, Jalynn Jarman and Cambrie Jarman and three great grandchildren Saige Nickerson, Ellie Barnes and Cooper Loos. Also surviving are two siblings: Jack (Gloria) Smith and Marilyn Smith both of Peru and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Kathyrn Smith in 2022 and his brothers Clarence (Butch), Bill, Jimmy and Louis Smith.

Ken was employed at Northwestern Steel and Wire in Sterling, IL for 30 years. He was a foreman in the nail room and retired in 1999.  Ken served in the United States Army,  he was an Auxiliary Police Officer for the City of Mendota for over 30 years, a volunteer for Mendota Emergency Services and Disaster Agency and a member of the American Legion for 33 years.

He was an outdoorsman who loved to hunt and was an avid Elvis fan. However, he is most known for his daily trips to Parkway where he loved to have coffee and spend time with his Parkway family and friends.

Ken will be sadly missed by his family, friends and his beloved pup, Pippy dog!

In lieu of flowers a memorial can be made to Mendota Companion Animal Centre.