Kenneth Wilson Smith

Kenneth W. Smith (Ken), 68, of Springboro, Ohio died March 23, 2018 at Atrium Medical Center. He was a native of Franklin, Ohio. Ken was born on June 28, 1949 to Woodrow Smith and Sara Howard Smith. He graduated from Franklin High School in 1967 and from Cumberland College (Williamsburg, KY) in 1972, where he held school records in Track and Field. Ken taught Physical Education in Franklin City Schools for 35 years. He coached hundreds of athletes in volleyball, track and field, golf, and the Jumpin Cats double dutch jump rope team. Ken obtained his Masters Degree from Xavier University in Counseling and School Administration. Induction into The Cumberland College Athletic Hall of Fame and the Franklin High School Hall of Fame were highlights for Ken. Ken served as President of the Board of the Franklin Golf Course. The highlight of Ken’s life was his daughter Julie and granddaughters Caroline and Emma.


Ken was preceded in death by his parents, Woodrow and Sara Smith and brothers; Lowell Smith, Gene Smith and Wayne Smith. He is survived by his daughter, Julie Smith Baer and son-in-law David Baer of Marietta, Georgia; granddaughters Caroline and Emma Baer; sisters Candy Smith Warren of Franklin and Joyce Smith Singhoffer of Middletown; sister-in-laws Janice Mears Smith of Mansfield and Sharon Towson Smith of Mason; nephew Scott L. Smith (Susan) of Mason; and nieces Stephanie Smith Okey (Mark) of Newport Beach, CA, Adrienne Smith Cox (Terry) of Mason, Sara Smith Sabatino (Charles) of Stow, Amy Taylor Hamilton (Tracey) of Monroe, and Jennifer Taylor Holiga of Centerville and Uncle Bill Smith of Middletown. Ken is also survived by twelve great nieces and nephews: Derek & Madeline Cox, Chris & Paige Okey, Luke & Ellie Hamilton, Joey & Lily Holiga, Matthew & Emily Smith, Josie & Sophia Sabatino.