Kenneth A. Smith

Quad City Musician, Kenneth A Smith, 62 of Moline, formerly of Orion, passed away at home, Saturday, July 16, 2022, after a hard fought and courageous 3-year battle with cancer.

Cremation rites will be accorded. Ken will be laid to rest next to his parents at Western Township Cemetery, Orion at a later date.

Ken was the last born of Stanley and Susie Smith on October 13, 1959. He married Diana VerSchoore, Chriss Peters, then his high school crush, Sarah Hast Young on September 23, 2018

Ken’s love for drums began at the age of four thanks to his older brother, Jimmy’s musical influence. He was the proud owner of his first drum kit when his brother upgraded. Ken began his school music career under band director Earl Mailand and continued a friendship with Mr. Mailand long after his retirement.

In 1976, Ken was selected, as a junior, to be a member of the American Musical Ambassadors Band.  The Ambassadors were composed of outstanding high school and university students. Ken traveled throughout seven European Countries playing with 100 other musicians from all over the US, playing concerts, and touring for the summer.  His first high school garage band, Fokwolf, played several high school dances, and during Fall Fest on the Orion band shelter.  Ken attended Burklee College of Music in Boston, MA as a freshman.

Ken’s love for music was placed on hold shortly after the arrival of his children.  He enjoyed coaching Jess “Punks” in softball, Ian “Bud” in soccer, and Eric “Peanut” in high school band.  His hobbies include Martial Arts, oil painting, buy and planting hostas, watching the hummingbirds, and a great game of golf.  Most of all supporting his grandchildren’s activities and spoiling them to no ends.

Ken’s love for music resumed when his kids left the nest.  “Gigging Out” was calling and he participated in local bands Generations, Tangent, Jokers Wild, and Most recently Mo’s Garage. His musical family is vast.  He loved them all.  Music made Ken a friend to many- a patient teacher, a humble mentor, and sometimes a naughty influence!

He is survived by his wife Sarah; children, Jessica (Kyle) Downing, Orion, Ian Smith, Alpha, Eric (Cher Ladford) Smith, DeKalb, IL, Amy (Michael) Dillie, Muscatine, Joe (Sarah) Young, Viola; his beloved grandchildren, Haylee, Abigail, and Evan Downing AKA “Haylee George”, “Abigail Fred”, “Stinky Boy”; Marly Whipple, Darian and Jayden Dillie, and great grandson Kameren Dillie.  Siblings: Sharon (Michael) Wadle, DeKalb, Jim (Jan) Stamp, NC, Shelley Atkinson, Orion, Gloria (George) Smith, East Moline.  A large assortment of favorite nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brother David Stamp, brother-in-law Larry Atkinson, beloved nephew Adam Smith, and long-time companion Mildred.  Memorials may be made to his family.

A celebration of Ken’s life will be Sunday, July 31, 2022, 1-4 PM at the Methodist Activity Center (MAC) building, 407-12 Avenue Orion.

Please wear your favorite t-shirt that represents your relationship with Ken – soccer, softball, marching band, rock etc.  Wearing chucks are a must!!!

Memories may be shared online by visiting esterdahl.com.