KD Linkous-Smith

KD Linkous-Smith was born on Friday, May 25, 1973, in Welch, West Virginia, to Jimmy and Shelby Christian Linkous. He was a graduate of Radford University in Radford, Virginia and Appalachian State University in Boone, North Carolina, majoring in chemistry and counseling. KD was a classically trained opera singer who was passionate about his family, community, philanthropy, tennis, animals, and cooking. He was a district manager for RaceTrac and RaceWay. He was King Apollo XXXVIII for the Mystic Krewe of Apollo-Baton Rouge. KD was completing his fourth year as president of the MKABR. In his tenure, he spearheaded the creation of the Apollo Scholarship, awarding funds to members of the LGBTQIA+ community in pursuit of secondary education. KD also led the Krewe in a trailblazing decision to open membership to the entire community in what was once an all-male Mardi Gras Krewe. His awards and recognitions include the Don “DJ” Johnson Memorial AIDS-Crisis Award (2018), inducted into the Mystic Krewe of Apollo-Baton Rouge Hall of Fame (2021), the Hal S. Phillip Jr. Memorial President's Award (2022), and recipient of the Krewe’s highest honor the Larry Fremin Jr Memorial Founder’s Brotherhood Award (2023). He was a three-time cancer survivor, longtime volunteer of CAAWS, and member of the Mystic Krewe of Apollo-Baton Rouge and 10/31 Consortium. KD passed away on Saturday, October 25, 2025, at the age of 52, while doing something near and dear to his heart, giving back to the community by volunteering with 10/31 Consortium in the community of Donaldsonville, LA.

A Life Celebration will be held Saturday, November 1, 2025, from 11 a.m. until service at 1 p.m. at the Woman’s Club, Inc, 259 T.J. Jemison Blvd., Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

KD is survived by his husband, Shane Linkous-Smith, his father and stepmother Jimmy and Grace Ann Linkous, his son Jackson Khoury Smith, mother-in-law Crystal Smith, brothers-in-law and sister-in-law Karl Nicholas Jr., Susan, Bradley, and Stacy Smith, nephews Ethan, Owen, Hudson, Connor and Landon, his two pit bulls Lunabelle and Blanca Rae, and a multitude of friends.

Proceeded by his mother Shelby Christian Linkous, father-in-law Lieutenant Colonel Karl Nicholas Smith, and his fur baby Cameaux.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to the Krewe of Apollo-Baton Rouge AIDS-Crisis and Scholarship Fund via their website apollobatonrouge.com or a charity of your choice in memory of KD.

The family and friends would like to thank the staff of the Hickley M. Waguespack Center, Staff Sargent Danielle Plaisance, the Ascension Fire Rescue Department, Acadian Ambulance, and the Ascension Parish Sheriff’s Office for their commendable professionalism and compassion for KD. You will remain forever in our hearts.