Kenneth Eugene Smith Jr., 75, of Burlington, died Wednesday, May 27, 2026, at the OSF Saint Francis Medical Center in Peoria.
Born July 18, 1950, in Burlington, he was the son of Kenneth Eugene and Ruth Mary Frenzer Smith. On April 11, 1975, he married Shereen Myers in Kentucky.
He was a U.S. Navy Veteran, serving during the Vietnam War from August 7, 1969 until August 6, 1973. Kenneth was welder for JI Case for many years and after his retirement, he went to work part time at True Value.
For years, he proudly coached his daughter’s Little League softball team, cheering louder than anyone in the stands. But his favorite title of all was Papa. Kassen was his pride and joy and the two shared a bond that was impossible to miss. They were truly best buds, always sharing laughs, stories, and plenty of memories. Kenneth loved being outdoors - casting a fishing line, hunting pheasant and duck, or simply relaxing on the deck with the people he loved. He never turned down a cold beer, a good joke, or the chance to make someone smile.
Survivors include his wife of 51 years, Shereen Smith of Burlington; son, Shawn (Kristen) Smith of Burlington; daughter, Heidi (Mel) Smith of Burlington; grandson, Kassen Smith; three step-grandchildren, Sydney, Kylee and Hayden Logan; several step-great-grandchildren; and brother, Michael Alan Smith of Burlington.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, July 11, 2026, from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Eagles Club, 2727 Mt. Pleasant St. in Burlington.
A memorial has been established for Burlington Area Youth Bowling.
-Later Pops, hope heaven had a cold one waiting for you.