Kenneth Edward Smith

Kenneth "Ken" Edward Smith, 81, passed from this earth at his home on December 4, 2013. He was surrounded by those he loved. Ken, a beloved husband, father, friend and educator was born in Long Beach, CA.

Ken spent many of his summers as a youth in Catalina watching spring training of the Chicago Cubs and listening to the music at night from the casino. Ken completed his undergraduate degree at Cal State Long Beach, where he pitched for the original "Dirt Bag" baseball team. Ken served two years in the United States Army and taught American History in the Westminster School District for thirty four years. He completed his Masters in History at Pepperdine University.
Ken's passion for teaching was evident in the numerous trips he led to Washington DC with hundreds of his students and the way he brought history to life, dressing up as Lincoln or Washington, giving lessons and presentations in character.

Ken courted and married a southern girl from North Carolina, Willa "Dean" Simmons. Ken and Dean wrote each other for several years before Ken convinced her father to let them get married and move to California in 1957. They started their life in Huntington Beach and raised three children, Debbie, Keith, and Kenda.
Ken was an active member of the United Methodist Church of the Good Shepherd, and worked for decades as an elder and youth leader. Upon his retirement from teaching, Ken and his wife traveled extensively taking many cruises and visiting friends and relatives throughout the United States. Ken was an active member of the Garden Grove Elks lodge, loved his UCLA Bruins, and would not miss a sporting event of one of the grandchildren.

Ken is survived by his three children, Debra Mountford of Irvine, Keith Smith of Williamsburg, VA, and Kenda Woodward of Garden Grove; their spouses, Larry, Vikki, and Doug and his nine grandchildren; Jamie, Kristin, Tanner, Samantha, Jenae, Brett, Caylin, Sean, and Baylie; two great-grandchildren, Averry and Mason; and sister Claudia McGann of Fountain Valley, CA

Ken will be greatly missed by the numerous extended family members who became adopted by the Smith family. The Smith parties were special occasions for family and friends. Ken is finally at peace and with the love of his life, Dean, who passed away in 2003. Their love will now blossom through eternity.

A graveside service will be held Saturday December 14, 2013 at 2:30pm, rain or shine, at Forest Lawn in Cypress, CA, with military honors. A reception will follow at the family's home. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to support the fight against Alzheimer's in Ken's name.