Kenneth Smith
December 04, 2012
Ken Smith passed away at Valley View Village on Tuesday, December 4, 2012. Ken was born on June 4, 1921, the oldest of four brothers, to Fred B. and Ruth (Ellison) Smith. He lived all of his life in Des Moines, Iowa, except for four years in the military service from 1942 to 1946.
Ken graduated from East Des Moines High School in 1939, attended Drake University where he received both Bachelor and Master’s Degrees in Education and took advanced work at Denver University and Columbia University in New York City.
He was inducted into the U.S. Army in September 1942, and served basic training at Ft. Knox, Kentucky. Later, he worked as secretary to many different officers in Headquarters Armored Force and 21st Corps Headquarters. Serving on the advanced unit to prepare for the movement of the 21st Corps Headquarters to Europe, Ken had free time to roam the streets and villages of France, England, and Germany – a historic wonderment until a mission for the unit was established. The 21st Corps eventually became a stalwart feature in the Battle of the Bulge, moving rapidly throughout Germany. Ken had the good fortune of arriving in Paris on V.E. Day, joining Frenchmen in their flare of celebration – working along the Champs Elysee, and worshipping in Notre Dame Cathedral.
On returning to the U.S., Ken completed his education and was employed by the Des Moines Public School System, where he was assigned to teach at McKee and Douglas Schools, and served as principal of McKee (Meredith), Scott, Willard, Rice, Riley, and Samuelson Schools. Upon retirement, Ken enjoyed gardening and spent 30 years exhibiting watercolors throughout the U.S. He was active in his church, serving on the council, was a member of the Iowa Watercolor Society, a Life Member of the NEA, a Life Member of the Scouts Organization, and an active member of the Winterset, Iowa Art Center.
Survivors include his wonderful wife of 63 years, Shirley; two nephews, Douglas and Raymond Smith; and niece, Mary Goodner of Albuquerque.
The family wishes to thank all of the devoted care keepers for their help.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Capitol Hill Lutheran Church, 511 Des Moines Street, Des Moines, IA 50309.
Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, December 11, 2012, at Capitol Hill Lutheran Church, followed by burial at Laurel Hill Cemetery.
Condolences may be expressed at:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Joan Kielhorn
12/13/2012
I met Ken ten years ago at an art show. Since then I have sought him out and am happy to have several of his watercolors. He made me want to learn to paint...I am sure the beauty of soul and his art has inspired countless others. I am grateful to have known him.
Michele Mead
12/12/2012
Ken Smith touched the lives of many children.Most students don't want to be sent to the principal's office because they fear getting in trouble. This was not true at Samuelson, no one wanted to disappoint Mr. Smith by being sent to see him. I was so happy to have talked to him on the phone this summer when a small group of the 2nd grade class of 1969 got together. I feel fortunate to have had such a gentle man in my life for 7 years. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.
Stewart Buck
12/10/2012
Ken was kind, caring person. I'd always look forward to seeing him at various art events, but especially each year at the Des Moines Women's Club Art Exhibition. It was a pleasure visiting with him.
Mika Sorak and Ginny Lammert
12/09/2012
You are in our prayers Shirley. Ken shared with us such a love for life and art that we will never forget his passion. Mika and I are truly honored to have known him and feel blessed we can share our feelings with you at this time. We send our condolences and love.
Jim Miller
12/09/2012
On behalf of the Historic Valley Junction Foundation, our thoughts and prayers at Ken's passing. He was a true fixture for our art shows for the past 30 years, and we looked forward to having him with us during show after show selling his watercolors.
We knew when we saw the blue van that is was time to get in gear and help him unload and setup his booth!
With warm memories and peace to you.
Brian Hulten
12/07/2012
My classmates and I were fortunate to have Ken Smith as our Principal at Samuelson during the 70s. He was a kind man who truly cared about his students. His early example helped mold an easy-going style of leadership that I continue to utilize today. Our prayers go out to his family and friendsI hope they take comfort knowing Mr. Smith had such a positive impact on so many. God bless you, Mr. Smith. And may you rest in peace.
Jill Gales
12/06/2012
My thoughts and prayers are with you, Shirley. Peace be with you.
Todd Jacobus
12/05/2012
So sorry to hear of Ken's passing. He was Principal of Samuelson when i was there from 1972-78. I will remember Mr. Smith as a soft-spoken and caring man. I ran into him over the years, and always enjoyed catching up with him. Definitely someone who gave back to mankind more than he took. And, typical of the Greatest Generation, I had no idea he was a World War II Veteran. Until I read this obituary. Rest in peace, Ken.
Dave Rehnblom
12/05/2012
Thank you for being a great principal (even when I got sent to the office for doing something I probably shouldn't have). I also appreciate the fact that I had occasion to spend some time with you when I visited Capitol Hill with my parents. God bless you. Best wishes and prayers to your family and friends. Rest in peace Ken.
Roberta (Bobbie) Nelson
12/05/2012
My prayers and sympathy are with you Shirley at this sad time. Ken was a wonderful person and he will be greatly missed by all of us
.. Roberta (Bobbie) Nelson