Name: Visitation for Kenneth Jack Smith
Start: 2016-11-13T18:00:00.000Z
End: 2016-11-13T20:00:00.000Z
Location: Dewey Funeral Home, Inc.

Smith, Kenneth Jack; went to be at rest with his Lord and Savior Friday morning, November 11, 2016. Visitation for Ken will be held on Sunday, November 13 from 1 to 3 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. at the Dewey Funeral Home in Alma. His Funeral Service will take place at the First Presbyterian Church in Alma on Monday, November 14 at 11 a.m. Rev. Thomas Brackbill will officiate. Burial will be held in Riverside Cemetery, Alma. Ken was born January 13, 1935 to Cecil and Abigail Smith in St. Louis, Michigan. He was raised by his mother and stepfather, Enoch Lindquist in Alma. After graduating from Alma High School, he earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from Alma College, where he met his wife, Jacalyn. After a successful career as a Junior High and High School science instructor and receiving a Master of Science degree in Biology from the University of Michigan, Ken accepted a position at Montcalm Community College (MCC) teaching science, music, French, and many other disciplines. He retired after more than 40 years of teaching and continued teaching at the college as a Professor Emeritus. In 2015, the MCC Board of Trustees renamed the East instructional building the Kenneth J. Smith Instructional Building in his honor. He was loved by his family, students, colleagues, and those he came in contact with. He will be remembered for his unflinching honesty, dedication to family, and his commitment to the educational advancement of his many, many students who appreciated his master teacher skills. Ken was preceded in death by his sister, Elizabeth, and his brothers Marvin “Red”, and Malcolm. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Jacalyn; his three sons, Kevin (Cara), Scott (Kathy), and Robbie (Luz); six grandchildren, Kenny, Matt, Sarah, Jodi, Jacalyn and Cristina; and five great grandchildren in addition to nieces and nephews, including a close relationship with his nephew, Dick Studer. We love you, dad. Thank you for all you did for us in preparing us for this world and for being our moral compass. You will be missed. Memorial contributions may be made to the Kenneth J. Smith Student Scholarship Fund at Montcalm Community College. The family is being served by the Dewey Funeral Home of Alma.

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Published by The Morning Sun from Nov. 11 to Nov. 12, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for Kenneth Smith

Sponsored by themorningsun.com.

19 Entries

Treasa Rios

October 21, 2019

I still miss you, Mr. Smith!! I still catch myself saying " Heavenly Days!!" You were my favorite teacher in Nursing School. I will never forget you. After all these years, I still look at my Anatomy textbook. I'll see you up there!! ♥

Joshua Doyle

November 19, 2017

Keep the whole world singing

Patty Evans

November 12, 2017

Will never forget this wonderful man. Had him for many classes in college, he was tough but excellent. Also had the pleasure of knowing him as a babershopper,his performances along with many others. Think of him often. My prayers are with you all. I am sure your hearts are filled with memories. Rest in peace Mr. SMITH.

Dana Christensen

November 16, 2016

My sincere condolences to Ken's family and all the many, many people that are grieving the loss of such a brilliant, talented and loved man of God. It was a blessing and a privilege to have had him as a mentor, teacher, friend and boss. He had a profound impact on my life and I shall always be grateful to have known him. I still quote him today, and a favorite of mine is, "It don't make me know never mind". May he rest in peace until The Lord calls us all home.

Denise Snearey

November 14, 2016

May peace be with Jackie and family knowing Ken is in his heavenly home where I'm sure if we listen closely we can hear him singing in the clouds. We loved having them for neighbors.
My deepest sympathy.

Sally Morais

November 14, 2016

Ken was one of the best people I have ever known. He was a wonderful teacher, co-worker, and friend. I will always be grateful to him for talking me out of dropping his class when I was struggling with a full time job and family issues. He convinced me to finish out the semester, which was half over, and then decide whether or not to take more classes. He was my favorite teacher ever! He was so enthusiastic about everything he loved- his students, education, music, and one of the biggest promoters of Montcalm Community College. I am so grateful to have known him and learned from him. He will be missed. My sincere sympathies to Jackie, Scott and the rest of the family.

November 14, 2016

My thoughts and prayers to all the family, Ken will be missed by so many. Just remember all of the lives he has touched. He helped make MCC what it is today.

Bret Fishell

November 14, 2016

My condolences to Ken's family and friends. A lot of good memories of him in my life. Everything from getting his leftover chicks every spring to building barns for him in Breckenridge.

Janet Shy

November 13, 2016

I could not begin to list all of the wonderful memories I have of Ken. The emotions of my memories range from tears to great laughter. His spirit was always about bringing good to others. I pray that I have followed his lead. Godspeed Ken! My thoughts and prayers are with all those who will feel this emptiness on Earth.

Jerry McCoy

November 13, 2016

My deepest condolences to all of Ken's family, friends, colleagues, and students.

You were one of the finest men I've known. You have touched so many, many lives over your years. Rest in Peace, Ken, and give Anne a hug for me.

Don Piper

November 13, 2016

Spent many years of fun and great times singing with Ken in a quartet. I will cherish these times and never forget what an inspiration he was to me. Rest in peace Ken - hope to see you and Jim some day for more great singing.

Don Piper

Donna Cater

November 13, 2016

So many great memories of Kenny. What a special man.I remember the times at the First Baptist Church in Alma, his singing and playing the musical instruments with his sons, and directing the choir. The visits I had with him and Jackie. My thoughts and prayers go out to the family.

Karen Lincoln

November 13, 2016

I knew Ken before I ever started working at MCC.I had the privilege of singing with him and his quartet a few times and also enjoyed going to the barbershop show every year. Science may have been just calling let music was his passion. He not only saying but also played his trumpet in Old Man's Band. He passed on his love of music to his children. He would always sing the Old Irish Blessing as a benediction at a nursing students' pinning ceremony. I turned the tables on him and sang it for him at his retirement party. What an honor to know him! One of his best friends was also part of his quartet, Dr. Jim Hall, tragically died six years ago . Ken missed him terribly. I can imagine that he and Jim are up there in heaven harmonizing and hamming it up. He left his family, the college, and his hometown a wonderful legacy! "May the road rise to greet you and the wind be always at your back and until we meet again may God hold you In the palm of his hand..." My husband Clark and I are keeping the family in our thoughts and prayers.

Ben McCarthy

November 12, 2016

Smith Family,
Very sorry for your loss. He always gave me words of encouragement every time I saw him . Great family man
teacher, musician, and friend . Sympathy and condolences to all . I applaud Mr. Smith in a life - well done!
Love,
Ben,Dawn,Maegan, and Lucy

Ron Fick

November 12, 2016

Ken was a positive influence for many people.He was a great coach for many who wanted to sing better!He will be missed.

Betty Wakefield

November 12, 2016

I am so sorry to hear of Mr. Smith's passing. I had him for Anatomy & Physiology at MCC. He was an incredible instructor that engaged you in the material. I will never forget him. If you are ok with a funny note-it used to make him crazy when people called the prostate the prostrate. He got all fumed up about it. Loved to see that. He was a blessing to so many. Thank you for sharing him with so many of us.

Wanda Nemier

November 12, 2016

So sorry to hear of Ken's passing. I always enjoyed his candor, friendship and most of all the musical talent he fostered in his family and all of those around him. My condolences to his family.

The Staff of Dewey Funeral Home

November 11, 2016

Offering our deepest sympathies during this time.

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