Kenneth Edward Smith

Kenneth Edward Smith, 92, of Burkburnett, passed away Tuesday, September 2, 2025.

Kenneth was the son of the late Luther and Jane Estaline Smith, born at home in Walters, Oklahoma on August 16, 1933.  He was preceded in death by his wife, Carolyn (Reynolds) Smith; brother, Johnny and sister, Joyce. He is survived by his sister, Pinky (Smith) Raider; brothers, Vernon (Wayne) and wife Joan, and Harold and wife Cindy; his children, Bev and husband Jerry Lynn, and Craig and wife Mitzi Smith.; grandchildren, Kaleena and husband Shawn Kea, Ashley and husband Miles Henderson, Jason and wife Jacie Montgomery, Josh and wife Abby Caporale, Clint and wife Amy Caporale, Cody and wife Allison Caporale, Cassie and husband Jason Ratchford, and Kyle and wife Alex Caporale; great-grandchildren, Avery, Maddy, Alivia, Cason, Harper, Hadley, Abby, Leighton, Landree, Wyatt, Jonah, Gunner, Ranger, and Eloise; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Growing up Kenneth went to school until the 8th grade, leaving school to work in the family farming business until he entered the Active US Army.  He served in the Army from July 8, 1953 until May 19, 1955.   After his active-duty service, he served in the Army Reserves from 1955 until 1957. After returning from the Active Army, he went to work in the local oil fields.  Kenneth was a gauger in the oil fields for Skurlock, Permian and later with Occidental Oil companies.  While working the local oil fields of Electra, Texas he met and later married Carolyn Reynolds on July 9, 1958.  While in the oil fields Kenneth began his drag racing career.   On the race track he was known for his sportsmanship and crowd-pleasing burnouts on the line and wheelies off the line.  Not to mention the countless wins and awards over the years.  Cars included “The Inch Worm” and “Turtle Power”.  He had other cars and was even sponsored by Ford Motor Co.

Upon leaving the oil fields he and his brother Johnny opened a Texaco service station in Burkburnett.  They later went on to opening the S & S Garage in Burkburnett servicing customers in Burkburnett and the surrounding communities.  Upon the death of his brother Johnny in 1983, his son Craig went to work with his dad until they closed the business 1987/1988.  Kenneth retired and he and Carolyn traveled.  They moved from Burkburnett in 1993 and resided in the Ozark’s until they settled in Muldrow, Oklahoma where Carolyn passed in 2015.  Kenneth remained until moving back to Burkburnett in August of 2024.

He was a loving husband, father, father-in-law and PawPaw.   He loved racing and spending time with friends and family.  He has left behind numerous family members, countless friends and made an unforgettable mark on each one.

The family will receive friends Sunday, September 7, 2025 from 5 until 7:00 p.m. at Owens & Brumley Funeral Home in Burkburnett.  Graveside service will be 10:00 a.m. Monday, September 8, 2025 at Fort Sill National Cemetery in Elgin, Oklahoma under the direction of Owens & Brumley Funeral Home in Burkburnett.

In lieu of flowers, contributions/memorials may be given to Hospice of Wichita Falls, 4909 Johnson Rd., Wichita Falls, TX 76310 (howf.org).

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.owensandbrumley.com