Kenneth V Smith

On December 22, 2025,
Colonel (R) Kenneth Virgil Smith took his final breath on this earth. He died peacefully, surrounded by friends, family and so much love. Ken leaves behind his three Children, Linda (Smith) Lesto, Brian J. Smith ( his wife Kimber), Jennifer Guidry (her husband Kurt), his eight grandchildren; Ryan and Alyssa Lesto, Ethan and Trevor Smith, Kory, Kyle, Karley and Kaden Guidry and one great grandchild, Henry "Hank" Guidry. He will also be missed by his eldest brother, General (R) Leo W. Smith, II and his sister Janet A. Smith. He was preceded in death by his Parents Leo Weber Smith and Frances McEvoy Smith, his brothers LTC Vince Smith and Col Daniel Smith, his sister Joanie Gehrke and his beloved wife of almost 60 years, Susan W. Smith.

Ken led a full and blessed life, creating many indelible memories with those who survive him, but he will be remembered most for his dedication, service to and love of; country, the 173d Airborne Brigade, his church, his favorite sports teams: The Washington Commanders, DC United, and Manchester United, his children and grandchildren and most especially the love of his life and the wind beneath his wings Susan W Smith .

Ken was born in Lincoln Nebraska in 1940. Growing up as one of 6 children, Ken was active in his church as an altar server, in the Boy Scouts of America attaining the rank of Eagle Scout and the honor of becoming a Member of the Order of the Arrow, Mitigwa Lodge. He played high school football and graduated from Dowling High School, Des Moines, Iowa in 1958. After graduation Ken attended Conception Seminary in Conception, Missouri for two years before changing paths, attending and subsequently graduating from Creighton University in 1963. Ken was commissioned as a Lieutenant of Infantry in 1963. Following Officer Basic, Ranger, and Airborne Training, he served three years in the 3rd Armored Division. While stationed in Germany he met, pursued and married Susan Wilson. Ken was assigned to the Herd (173d Airborne) in Vietnam, in March 1967. During his tour, he served as Operations Officer of the 2nd Battalion, 503d Infantry Regiment, commanded Company A, and formed and commanded Company D. Ken was stationed at Ft Benning in 1968-69. He completed his masters at UNC Chapel hill and then completed a second tour in Vietnam 1971-1972 where he served as Operations Officer of the 2nd Battalion, 1st Infantry Regiment, 196th Infantry Brigade.
Ken served as an Assistant Professor of History at West Point for three years, commanded a Basic Training Battalion, at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri and served as Chief of Plans on the NATO staff at Landsouth East (Izmir Turkey). He completed multiple tours at the Pentagon on the Army and Joint staffs including his final tour as Deputy Director for Planning on the Army Staff. He graduated from the Command and General Staff College and the National War College. Following his retirement in 1993, he worked 9 years at the Department of Energy and 5 years in the Diplomatic Security Service's Antiterrorism Assistance Program. During almost 30 years of military service, Ken received The Legion of Merit twice, the Defense Superior Service Medal, two Bronze Stars (one with "V" Device), two Defense Meritorious Service Medals, five Air Medals, a Joint Service Commendation Medal, The Order of St Maurice Medal, and the Army Commendation Medal.

During his "spare time" after retirement, Ken continued to referee youth soccer, visit wounded soldiers at Walter Reed Army hospital, served as president of the 173d Airborne Association from 1995-99, and spearheaded the fundraising and commissioning of the 173d Airborne Memorial on the Walk of Heroes at Ft. Benning, all while excelling at his role as "Pa" and "Pop" to his grandchildren by attending soccer games, scouting events, dance recitals, wrestling tournaments, school events and hosting many family visits with Susan and their beloved bulldog Snowball at their retirement home at Lake Royale, North Carolina. After the move to their second retirement home in Summerville, South Carolina Ken was part of the veterans club and enjoyed playing pickleball and cribbage with his friends.
He was a stern but fair father who made sure all of us had a strong work ethic and made countless sacrifices to make sure we were always taken care of. We will all miss his quick witted "dad jokes" and his unconditional love and support. Sky Soldiers All The Way!

Ken will be buried at Ft Benning, Georgia with full military honors in the summer of 2026 at a date to be shared later. A memorial service with reception for friends and family will be held at that time.