Kenneth Franklin Smith

Mesquite, NV - Kenneth Franklin Smith, 69, passed away peacefully in his sleep, on August 9, 2018.  He was born in Knoxville, TN to Samuel Smith and Pauline Smith on December 5, 1948.  He joined the U.S. Army on April 12, 1967 and served his country in the Vietnam War.  He was married to his first wife; Nancy Carol Cather for 41 years, until her death on March 22, 2012.

He has one daughter; Judy (Bill) Smith, granddaughter; Megan (James) Eiter, great-grandson; Arther William Eiter and step-sons; Lenny and Toby McCoy.  He married his second wife; Jeri Kay on July 13, 2013 and she cared for him and loved him until his death. He is survived by his eight siblings; Linda, Steven, Pamela, Patrick, Jim, Toni, Michael and David.

Ken was a man who loved vacationing, building computers and being with his family.  He rescued two Michigan State Troopers from a burning patrol car on January 30, 1979 with no regards to his own safety; and was rewarded the Carnegie Heroism Medal.  He drove semi-truck for Faygo Beverage for 32 years, until he retired in 2010.  He was a great man who loved his family with his whole being.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to your local Cancer Foundation in Ken’s name.  The family invites you leave a message or memory in their Guest Book at www.virginvalleymortuary.com.