Charles "Ken" K. Smith

Charles Kenneth “Ken” Smith of Ft. Myers, Florida, formerly of Easton, Illinois, passed away on Monday, October 3, 2022 at Joann’s Hospice House in Bonita Springs, Florida. Ken was born on February 5, 1926 in Peoria, Illinois to Charles and Alma (Hoskins) Smith. He attended Easton schools and upon graduating from Easton High School began farming with his father. Ken served in the United States Army, First Calvary in the Korean Conflict and was honorably discharged as a Master Sergeant. While in the Army, Ken met five special men in his Unit and the six remained lifelong friends. The Army Buddies and their families held get togethers for many years and the couples traveled together in later years. On March 29, 1953 Ken married the love of his life, Marjorie Friedrich in Havana, Illinois and she survives. The couple would have celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary in March of 2023. In addition to his loving wife, Ken is survived by two sons, Kim (Liz) Smith of Petersburg, Illinois and Jeff (Mary Beth) Smith of Easton, Illinois. He is also survived by six grandchildren, eleven great-grandchildren, and one great-great grandson, as well as several nieces and nephews. Ken also leaves special friends Jeff and Ginger Little of Ft. Myers, Florida, who were a huge part of his life. Proceeding Ken in death were his parents, in-laws, sister, Emily Ingersoll, brother-in-law, Robert, and three grandchildren, Vince and Jolene Hudspeth and Kevin Brown. Ken was a life-long farmer and served on many boards and organizations over his 96 years. He was a member of the Easton United Methodist Church serving in many capacities, but he was especially proud to have helped install the church’s first central air conditioner. Ken was a Mason County Farm Bureau member, a life member of the Easton Optimist Club, the Lodge in Greenview, Illinois board member and past president of Menard Electrical Co-Op, board member of Easton Community School District, 4-H leader for the Easton Ramblers and member of Irrigated Growers. Ken and Marge were blessed to travel with this group of fellow farmers to many foreign countries and places in the U.S. as well. On the 50th anniversary of the Korean Conflict, Ken and Marge were invited by the U.S. Government to be their guest and they returned to Korea for a week-long tour. Several years ago, Ken was invited to go on the Honor Flight to Washington, D.C. Accompanied by his son, Jeff, Ken had a wonderful day visiting all the Memorials and Monuments. The highlight of Ken’s day was the cheering crowd that greeted the Veterans at the airport upon their arrival home. A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, November 20, 2022 at 2:00 p.m. at the Easton United Methodist Church. Following the service, a time of fellowship will be held in the church basement with refreshments being served. Should friends and family desire, memorial contributions in Ken’s memory can be made to the following: Easton United Methodist Church, Shriners Children’s Hospital, or St. Jude Children’s Hospital. Online condolences can be left for his family at www.hurleyfh.com. Hurley Funeral Home in Havana is in charge of arrangements.

Charles "Ken" K. Smith

February 5, 1926 - October 3, 2022

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