Kenneth Edward Smith

Kenneth Edward Smith obituary, Cleveland, TX

Kenneth Edward Smith

Kenneth Smith Obituary

Visit the Neal Funeral Home - Cleveland website to view the full obituary.

Kenneth Edward Smith, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away peacefully at the age of 86. Born in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, Ken lived a full and meaningful life rooted in family and hard work.


A proud graduate of Earl Haig Collegiate Institute in Toronto, Class of 1958, Ken began a lifelong career in accounting and finance. He spent more than 40 years with Stone & Webster Engineering, where his leadership, integrity, and steady hand earned the respect and admiration of his colleagues.

After spending two years living and working in Jamaica, Ken moved to the United States, settling first in New Jersey. There, he met and married the love of his life,, Joan Elizabeth Morgan, with whom he shared 55 wonderful years of marriage. He proudly became a U.S. citizen in 1983.

Together, they made their home in Oswego, New York, where they welcomed their daughter, Cheryl Elizabeth and built lifelong friendships. Later moves took them to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and ultimately to Houston, Texas, where they have lived for the past 36 years surrounded by family and dear friends.

Ken was a devoted and loving father to his only child, Cheryl — a “girl dad” in every sense of the word. He supported her in everything she did and took immense pride in the woman she became. He was also a proud grandfather to Morgan and Kyle, attending their games, events, and milestones with enthusiasm and joy. Nothing made him happier than watching them grow, succeed, and make their way in the world. Most recently, he was over the moon to become a great-grandfather to little Kennedy Elizabeth — a new light in his life who brought him endless smiles and joy.

His happiest days were spent at the lake, relaxing on the back porch chatting with friends and neighbors, or tending to his garden. His yard was always immaculate — bursting with colorful flowers and lush greenery, a reflection of his care and pride in all he did.

Ken is survived by his daughter, Cheryl Adams and husband Derek, his grandchildren; Morgan Elizabeth Booker and husband Jake, Kyle Mark Adams, and his great-grandchild, Kennedy Elizabeth Booker.

Preceding him in death, his parents, father, Edward Hebert Albert Smith and mother, Irene Patricia Grimsey, his loving wife of 55 years, Joan Elizabeth Smith, and sister Deanne Shirley Smith.

He will be remembered for his kind heart, love for the perfect martini and his gift for making everyone feel welcome. His legacy of love and quiet strength will live on in the hearts of his family and all who were fortunate to know him.

A visitation for Kenneth Smith will be held at Neal Funeral Home on Thursday, October 16, 2025, from 12:00 - 1:00 PM. The funeral service will begin at 1:00 PM, followed by his interment at Pace-Stancil Memorial Resting Garden.

All services to be handled under the trusting care at Neal Funeral Home.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Neal Funeral Home - Cleveland

200 S. Washington Avenue, Cleveland, TX 77327

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