Kenneth Wayne Smith

1935 - 2013

October 26, 1935 - November 9, 2013

Ken W. Smith passed on peacefully and quietly Saturday, November 9, 2013. He made his final journey home and is now reunited with his wife of 53 years, Pat, and his son Gregg Hinson Smith, who both preceded him. Ken was born to Haskell Victor Smith and Eathel Ione Smith in Stillwater, Oklahoma. He attended Oklahoma State University, as well as serving in the United States Army. During his service he met the love of his life, Patsy Ann Mariotti. They were married September 3rd, 1960, and moved to Simi Valley, California in 1969, where they raised their family.

Ken enjoyed being around and near airplanes and flying machines. He loved to fly, and this passion led to his long and prosperous career as an aerospace engineer. He worked many years for AeroCommander (LTV Vought) and held the honor and privilege of assisting with many highly profiled aerospace projects from the 1960's to the 1990's.

Ken is survived by his two daughters, Stacy Smith-Paynter of Santa Cruz, and Whitney Maass, of Temecula, along with their husbands, Michael Paynter and David Maass. Additionally, he leaves seven grandchildren: Jeremy Smith and his wife Heather, Alyssa Nice and her Husband Jake. Justin, Connor, and Jamie Maass, as well as, Zach and Eli Paynter. Finally, two great grand children, Hope Hinson Smith and Dylan Kremer as well as a brother, Bob Smith of Dayton Nevada, hold the oldest and youngest family lineage at this time.

He will be greatly missed and remembered by all who have been graced by his presence. Ken's life and passing will be honored privately by his family.