Kenneth Joe Smith, 80, of Landenberg, died Friday, June 20, at Regal Heights Healthcare Center in Hockessin, leaving behind a legacy of grit, passion, and a life well-lived on his own terms. Born in Wilmington, he was the son of the late Thomas A. Smith Sr. and the late Josephine Hedrick Smith.
Ken served our country in the Marine Corps during the Vietnam War. He was wounded in the Tet Offensive during the war and was awarded the Purple Heart. Ken was a proud Marine his entire life.
After his time in the Corps, Ken followed in his father’s footsteps and became a skilled racehorse trainer, spending his days among the horses and the thrill of competition. Ken remained a horse enthusiast throughout his life. Because of his love for the ponies, Delaware Park was one of his favorite places. Ken worked at the post office in West Grove as a rural letter carrier for several decades before retiring from the USPS.
He had a deep love for simple pleasures – good scotch, a well-rolled cigar, and the electrifying rush of a winning bet at the track. A man of sharp wit and unwavering confidence, he never backed down from a challenge and always played the odds with a gambler’s heart.
Ken is survived by his daughter, Nicole Plumley (Chip Plumley); his son, Derek Smith; his grandchildren, Jacob Matz, Madison, and Riley Smith; and his two nieces, Kathleen Lopez and Denise Mason. In addition to his parents, he is predeceased by his older brother, Thomas A Smith Jr.
You are invited to visit with Ken’s family and friends from 10-11 a.m. on Wednesday, June 25, at the Episcopal Church of the Advent, 401 North Union Street, Kennett Square, PA 19348. His funeral service will follow at 11. Interment will take place after the service at Union Hill Cemetery, 424 North Union Street, Kennett Square, PA 19348.
Contributions in his memory may be made to TRRAC, Thoroughbred Race Horse Retirement & Sanctuary: www.ottbs.org
Arrangements are by Grieco Funeral Home & Crematory of Kennett Square, Inc. (484-734-8100). To view Ken’s online obituary and offer condolences, please visit www.griecofunerals.com.
