Kenneth R. Smith

Kenneth R. Smith (Ken, Bob, Kenny-Bob,) age 83, passed away Wednesday, February 24th with his family by his side. He was born in Massillon, Ohio and resided in Stark County his entire life. Ken was a graduate of Massillon Washington High School. He graduated from Baldwin-Wallace College in Berea, Ohio in 1959 where he majored in Education and was a member of the Alpha Tau Omega fraternity. He earned his Master’s in Administration from the University of Akron. Ken was a teacher for 39 years, teaching American History at Louisville Senior High School for 35 of them. While at Louisville, he also took active roles as Student Council Advisor, Faculty Manager, Audio Visual Director and the football stadium manager for his beloved Leopards. Over his career he served as head coach for girls’ varsity volleyball and basketball, as well as boys’ varsity golf and freshman basketball. He also served as the assistant coach for boys’ varsity basketball. He founded the “Louisville Hall of Achievement,” a program designed to serve as an example to the school and community by celebrating the many accomplishments of its graduates and citizens. Ken was awarded Stark County Teacher of the Year in 1989 by the Canton Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution. He was an active member of Paradise United Church. He served as a deacon, superintendent of the Sunday School program and a member of the Morgan Sunday School class.

Ken loved the city of Louisville. So much that he authored an in-depth history book titled, Louisville-The Way it Was. He became an active member of the Louisville Rotary Club in 1972 and served as president from 1983-1984. Ken was awarded Rotary Citizen of Year in 2010, but may be best known as a founder of the Rotary Flag Project which became his passion in his last years. If one wanted to see Ken, one could find him nearly every morning at the Louisville McDonald’s doing crossword puzzles with his friends.

Survived by his wife of 57 years, Patricia (Bennett), two daughters and sons-in law, Betsy (Smith) and Dave Griffing of North Canton, Ohio and Wendy (Smith) and Rob Hallier of Galena, Ohio and four grandchildren, Drew and Lindsay Griffing and Brian and Matt Hallier.

Funeral services will be held at Paradise United Church of Christ, 619 East Main St., Louisville, Ohio on Friday, March 5, 2021 at 11:00 am with a luncheon following.  Calling hours will be one hour prior.  In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Paradise United Church of Christ. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.stierisraelfuneralhome.com

                                                                                Stier-Israel Funeral Home        330-875-1414

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