Kenneth Elwood Smith, 78, beloved husband, father, grandfather, uncle, cousin, and friend of Houston, Texas passed away Sunday, December 9, 2018.  Ken was born on July 9, 1940 in Portsmouth, Ohio to Oscar and Calista Smith and they lived in Clarktown, OH.

Ken graduated from Lucasville High School in 1958 in Ohio. After graduation, he moved to Columbus, OH to work at Lake Central Airways. He then moved to Tulsa, OK to attend Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology. He met his bride, Wanda Roberts, in Tulsa and they married and moved to Houston, TX in 1961.

Ken was a proud airline pilot for Trans Texas Airways, Texas International, and Continental Airlines. Ken was a Co-Pilot and after 2 years became a Captain. He was soon promoted to Check Pilot and Assistant Chief Pilot with Texas International. He enjoyed the view from above the clouds for 20 years.

Ken was also an entrepreneur. He and Wanda owned Ken's Printing and Office Supplies and they remained in business for 33 years.

A natural story teller, Ken had a gift for making people feel good. He never met a stranger. Ken had a larger than life personality with a continuous positive perspective, and a kind and genuine soul. His love for his wife was immeasurable, he was proud of his son and daughters, and he doted on his grandchildren.

He was a great guy with a big heart who would do anything to help others. It was his love for family, though, that defined who he was.  That love lives on in them.

Ken is survived by his bride of 57 years, Wanda Smith, daughters Teresa Hughes and Kristen Smith, granddaughters, Calista Hughes and Emma Grace Hughes, grandson, Travis Hughes, son-in-law, Joel Hughes, nieces Karen Howard and Donna Shuter and several cousins.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Oscar and Calista Smith, sister, Louise Shuter, and son, Kenneth Scott Smith. Ken's favorite color is red, and if you are able to attend the services the family requests you wear something red. Klein Funeral Home will be hosting the visitation from 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm on December 14, 2018. Service will be at 2:00 pm on December 15, 2018 with burial following the service. The family invites you to their home after the burial.

In honor of Ken we would like, if possible, for family and friends to wear red.