Kenneth R. Smith

Kenneth R. Smith, age 75 of Cobden, died Tuesday, November 2, 2021 at Heartland Regional Medical Center in Marion. He was born September 2, 1946 in Cobden, the son of Cecil and Mary Lucille (Cabitt) Smith. He married Rosann Black on April 6, 1968 in Orangeville, IL. Kenneth is survived by his wife, Rosann Smith; daughter, Tammy Rae Smith; son, Timothy Ray (Tammy Marie) Smith; grandchildren, Skylar (Victoria) Neumann, Stormey Wojciechowski, Taylor Marie Stark, Tyler Ray Smith, and Tabitha Marie Smith; one great-grandchild on the way, Taytum Rose Stark; siblings, Carroll (Janis) Smith, Mary Beth Smith, Wallace Smith, and Kathy (Wesley) Burris; nieces and nephews, the 1964 Appleknocker team; other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Margaret (Gerald) Dexter and brother, Charles Lee Smith. Ken was a longtime member of the First Baptist Church in Cobden. He enjoyed meeting and greeting many different members throughout the years. He instigated and joined the many activities. He was drafted in the US Army and served in Vietnam. Which affected him all his life. He developed a great love for this country, and honored the American flag to the fullest. He was employed as a policeman for six years in Freeport, IL, and then returned with his family to remain in Cobden. His greatest love was being a 1964 Cobden Appleknocker basketball champion. Losing to Pekin was difficult, but the team found out the whole town was still appreciative. He spent 24 years at the Marion Federal Prison, serving in various levels. He had many good and unusual situations during those years, and enjoyed visiting with people to tell the stories. He had two furry friends the last three years that gave him much love and enjoyment. He and his wife spent thirteen years full time RVing, sometimes with friends and family, and other times alone. It was a time of great experiences. He loves his family and was always ready to return home to them. Through all this, his love for Jesus Christ never failed and now resides in Heaven, waiting for Rose, the love of his life. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 pm Friday, November 5, 2021 at the First Baptist Church in Cobden with Pastor Ed Falgout, Rev. Dewayne Taylor, and Pastor Matt Hartline officiating. Interment will be in the Cobden Cemetery. Friends may call from 11:00 a.m. until the service hour at 2:00 p.m. on Friday at the church. Memorial contributions may be made to Shriners Hospitals. Envelopes will be available at the church and the Rendleman and Hileman Funeral Home. Visitation Service Friday, November 5, 2021,11:00AM-2:00PM First Baptist Church in Cobden South Walker Street Cobden, Illinois 62920 Memorial/Funeral Service Friday, November 5, 2021,2:00PM First Baptist Church in Cobden South Walker Street Cobden, Illinois 62920 Cemetery Service Friday, November 5, 2021,3:00PM Cobden Cemetery Cobden School Road Cobden, Illinois 62920