Kenneth Smith

Kenneth Lee Smith was born December 19, 1933, to Ferrill and Ruth Smith in Wheeler, Texas.  He passed away September 2, 2021, in Hobbs, New Mexico.

Kenneth graduated from Velma-Alma High School in Velma, Oklahoma in 1953.  He attended Oklahoma State University on a football scholarship.  In March 1956 he was drafted into the Navy.  While home on leave he married his high school sweetheart Shirley Mauldin on June 22, 1956, in Hobbs.  After being discharged from the Navy they returned to Hobbs and he went to work for Welex.  He later started his own business A-1 Weed Control.

He is survived by his wife Shirley, daughter Kena Kay Cooper of Hobbs, grandson Collin Cooper of Monument and son-in-law Clay Cooper of Monument and great-granddaughter Kipralee Gayle Cooper of Hobbs, brother and sister-in-law Ray and Pat Mauldin of Conroe, Texas and numerous nephews and nieces that he loved deeply.  He is preceded in death by his son Kevin Ray Smith and brothers Howard, Billy, and Jerry Smith.

The family would like to thank Sami and the caregivers at the Bee Hive for their loving care and support and also the staff of Encompass Services and Mike Adams.