Photo courtesy of Pittsburg Funeral Chapel - Pittsburg
Pittsburg, California
Aug 8, 1938 – Jul 7, 2022
Picture a 152-pound high school senior playing right guard for the Pittsburg Pirates football team back in 1955. Today a player would be much larger and stronger. Kenny “Buster” Smith was that football player back in 1955. Smaller than most opponents yet extremely good at his position. He was honored as a First Team All-League and All Metropolitan football player.
It was his courage, will and determination that fueled his playing days and life. Kenneth L. Smith (Kenny) passed into heaven on July 7, 2022, after battling cancer for 10 months. Kenny grew up in Pittsburg, CA and was the son of Manford and Helen Smith. He was an avid sports enthusiast playing baseball and basketball with his friends at the Boys and Girls Club.
Kenny’s love of sports and passion to help others made him and his close friend's wonderful coaches within Antioch Little League and Babe Ruth. He was a Junior Football League (JFL) coach in Antioch for many years. Not just a coach but also an influencer of players to do well in school and treat others with respect. Kenny had the privilege to coach the Pittsburg Mallards, who were Pop Warner Football National Champions in 1963. Most recently he could be seen playing bocce ball in Antioch and Pittsburg with his family and friends. A popular and joyful man.
A hard-working father and husband, Kenny had a long and enjoyable 37-year career as an insurance agent for State Farm in Antioch. You would often see many people come to the office for advice and to share a cup of coffee with Kenny and his daughter Lisa.
Kenny is survived by his loving wife Myrna and children David Smith (Julie) of El Dorado Hills, Lisa Costanza of Brentwood, and stepchildren Bruce Brown of College Grove TN, Brett Brown (Susan) of College Grove TN, and Kara Kaiser of Antioch. “Papa” was his name to all 12 of his grandchildren and to his 9 great grandchildren.
While it saddens us to lose such a fine man, let us cherish and rejoice our relationship and fond memories of him. Please join us for a viewing on Wednesday, July 20, 2022, from 4:00 to 7:00pm at the Pittsburg Funeral Chapel, 2295 Railroad Ave, Pittsburg CA, 94565. You are welcome to attend a Celebration of Life on Thursday, August 4, 2022, at 11:00am at Golden Hills Community Church located at 2401 Shady Willow Lane, Brentwood, CA 94513.
Read More
Loved him—he was a part of our Bocce Family and a great player and a special man. He is missed.
Colleen & Tony Randazzo Randazzo
February 06, 2023 | Martinez, CA | Friend
Ken was our State Farm Insurance agent for many of the years we lived in Antioch. He was a great insurance agent and truly kind and gentle man. Prayers for his family
Tom Lassiter
July 26, 2022 | Kingman, Az, AZ | Friend
Kenny was a huge influence on my life as a mentor, coach and long time friend. We met in 1956 at the Pittsburg Boys Club during flag football season. I think Kenny “gave a little extra” to me because I was a “little guy.”
Margie and I send our condolences to Myrna and my ex co-worker friends Bruce and Kara and the entire Smith family.
We lost a good one!
Tim & Marge Rognlien
July 23, 2022 | Antioch, CA | Friend
Group of 10 Trees
Marianne Beltram
July 21, 2022
may God´s loving kindness and comfort help you and your family through this very difficult time. Matthew 5:4
Lora
July 20, 2022
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
Kenny will always have a special place in our hearts and be missed.
Love Kathy & Jeff
Kathy & Jeff Rector
July 20, 2022 | Lodi, CA | Friend
When our Pinochle group would go to Reno on our yearly trip, Ken anA d I were roomates. Ken always played the baseball cards and when we went back to our room at about 11:30 pm or so, he would say I needed to check on my baseball cards to see if I Won or Lost. I said Ken you can can check in the morning and his answer to me, was, I need to know now if I am a WINNER or Loser. Ken, you will always be WINNER to me.
Love and Miss you Ron
Ron Rector
July 20, 2022 | Lodi, CA | Friend
Teddy spoke so fondly of Kenny. Those mallard years were such a great topic of conversation. Rest in peace Kenny.... hug that little teddy.
Josephine Hodges
July 20, 2022 | Grass Valley, CA | Friend
Kenny was one of the nicest people I’ve ever met. Always a smile on his face and never failing to ask how everything was going. I’m so happy I got to see him and chat last July.
Ted Enea
July 19, 2022 | Danville, CA | Friend