Pinkney Smith

Pinkney Thurman Smith passed away February 27, 2026, at the age of 72. He was born April 1, 1953.

He was born in Queens, New York, and moved to Arizona with his mother at the age of 10. Pinkney proudly served his country in the United States Coast Guard, carrying that same steady strength and loyalty into every part of his life. Service was not just something he did. It was something he lived. He later spent 12 years working in a steel mill in Erie, Pennsylvania, where he developed the strong work ethic that defined much of his life.

Following that chapter, he pursued his calling in nursing, earning his LPN in Tucson, Arizona. Pinkney’s career included working in various nursing homes and Sheriff Joe’s jail in Maricopa County, Arizona but his favorite was serving as a hospice nurse for eight years — a role he was deeply proud of and one in which he truly excelled, offering compassion, dignity, and comfort to patients and their families during life’s most difficult moments.

In 2013, he moved to Des Moines, where he married Karen Kordick-Smith and began a new chapter filled with love and family. He found peace with a fishing pole in hand, joy in a drink by the poolside, and deep happiness on family trips where memories were made and stories were born. Time spent with the people he loved most was never wasted — it was treasured.

Quirky, funny, and wonderfully himself, he had a special love for horror films and an equally devoted admiration for Cher. His affection for her music and personality was downright adorable and never hidden. If there was a good scare on the screen or a Cher song playing, he was content. A devoted husband, proud father, grandfather, and United States Coast Guard veteran, he built a beautiful life alongside his beloved wife, Karen Kordick Smith. The way he reached for her hand was his quiet signature, a small daily love story written in simple gestures.

Pinky is survived by his wife, Karen; his children, John (Angie), Krystal, Keri, Kaci (Kamron), Ashley, Andrea, and Ryan; his cherished grandchildren, Ryan, Zakary, Henley, Callen, and Kenji; and his beloved great-grandchild, Ella. Each of them carries a piece of his humor, his love, and his unmistakable spirit.
Pinky’s life was one of laughter, loyalty, service, and love. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered in the stories retold around family tables, by the water’s edge, and wherever Cher is playing just a little too loud.

The family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to the compassionate staff of the VA Home Health team for the consistent kindness, dignity, and attentive care they showed both Pinkney and Karen. Your support meant comfort not only to him, but to the love of his life as well. A heartfelt thank you to Rachel, his devoted home health technician, whose steady presence and gentle spirit brought reassurance during difficult days. We are especially grateful to the paramedics of the Saylorville Township Fire Department and the dedicated officers of the Polk County Sheriff’s Office. They were in our home multiple times, always there to help pick Pinky up, always showing up with professionalism and care. Even in serious moments, they brought lightheartedness and even laughter while caring for Pinky. That humanity, that warmth, and compassion when we needed it most will never be forgotten. Pinkney was preceded in death by his parents Reba and John, and Janet McKewen.

Visitation will be held from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday, March 5, 2026 at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, 2600 E. Euclid Avenue, Des Moines. In honor of Pinky, his girls want to invite guests to wear silly t-shirts or Hawaiian shirts-something fun that reflects his spirit. A graveside service will be held at 9:30 a.m. Friday, March 6, 2026 at Iowa Veterans Cemetery, 34024 Veterans Memorial Dr, Adel with honors presented by the US Coast Guard and a final gun salute presented by Cumming American Legion Post 562. His funeral service will follow at 2 p.m. Friday at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, 2600 E. Euclid Avenue, Des Moines.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to the Veterans Administration, 3600 30th Street, Des Moines, IA/Home Health Department. 50310

Print