Ken Smith
Kenneth Steven Smith, 67, of Ludington, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, August 13, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.
Born on October 19, 1957 in Battle Creek, Michigan, to Robert and Miriam (Moore) Smith, Ken was one of nine siblings in a close and loving family. He grew up in Battle Creek and graduated from Lakeview High School. After graduation, he pursued a career as a printer, a trade in which he worked for most of his life up until his retirement.
A man of hard work ethic and endless projects, Ken did not stop and simply sit still after he retired. He made the most of each day by making the best home he could for himself, his wife of 37 years, Beth, and their four beloved Yorkshire terriers. He did countless home renovations on his own or with the help of his sons. He also continued on with more work by creating his own lawn care business as well. He had a way of staying busy. When he did finally relax, he enjoyed drives to the beach, sitting by a campfire, and of course, rooting for his home team of the Detroit Lions.
A lifelong Lions fan, his unwavering loyalty to the team was legendary. Ken cheered passionately every season and he never lost hope. Beyond football, he loved the outdoors: camping, hunting, fishing, sailing, golf and skiing were among some of his favorite pastimes. He also devoted time to coaching youth sports, including floor hockey, baseball, and football. Another hobby turned into hustle, was the jewelry business him and his wife have called “Just-Ben Fusing & Grinding” named lovingly with a homage to their sons, Justin and Ben.They found joy in making jewelry by fusing glass and Fordite, which, you’d have to hear about from Ken to get the best version of the history there. He was quite a good talker and storyteller. As partners in love and business, they took their creations on the road to farmers markets and festivals, treasuring the conversations and connections made along the way.
Above all else, he was such a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. Family was the center of his world, and his warmth, humor, and charisma touched everyone he met. Known for his ability to strike up a conversation with anyone, anywhere, he never met a stranger. So to have had a chat with Ken Smith, was to have a moment. He was a listener as well, with an open mind and open heart to any conversation.
He is survived by his wife, Beth Smith; his sons Jacob (Jasmin) Smith, Justin (Melanie) Smith, and Benjamin Smith; and his cherished grandchildren Katie, Damien, Juliette, Jareth, Landen, Maz, Rue, Olivia, and Zen. He is also survived by his siblings: Michael (Carol) Smith of Battle Creek; Kathy (Chuck) Rainier of Battle Creek; Jennifer (Bob) Cherry of Deltona, FL; Christine (Gus) Shoener of Battle Creek; Lori (Rob) Stickley of Kalamazoo; Miriam (Steven) Smith of Medfield, Mass.; and Andrea (Jeremy) Buschlen of Battle Creek; as well as many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Miriam Smith; his brother Robert “Bob” Smith; his son Steven Smith; and his niece Sara Smith.
A Celebration of life will be held on Wednesday, August 20, From 2 to 6 p.m. at Captain Oscar Brady American Legion-Michigan Post 298, 228 N 20th St, Springfield.
Please wear your Detroit Lions attire for the celebration.
His presence will be deeply missed, but the memories of his laughter, kindness, and boundless love for family will live on forever in the hearts of those who knew him.
Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service, Pere Marquette Chapel is in charge of arrangements.
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