Kevin Walker Smith

Kevin was surrounded in his final moments by his devoted wife and his children, a testament to the love and family values he held dear.

Born on August 8, 1951, in Gladbrook, Iowa, Kevin was the son of Wayne M. Smith and Jeanne L. (Walker) Smith. He graduated from Gladbrook High School in 1969 and went on to earn an associate degree from Georgia Military College, setting the foundation for a lifelong commitment to service and education.

Kevin served proudly in the United States Army, where he held a variety of roles as a commissioned officer across Active Duty, National Guard, and Army Reserve components. His military career spanned over 22 years, culminating in his retirement at the rank of Major. He was deeply proud of his service and continued to carry the values of honor, duty, and dedication throughout his life.

After retiring from the military, Kevin pursued his passion for teaching, earning a Master of Arts in Social Studies Education from the University of Iowa. For 13 years, he taught in the classroom and later became a familiar and well-loved substitute teacher across District 51 schools, working with students from kindergarten through high school. His favorite subject was history, and he was known for bringing it vividly to life for his students.

Kevin had a deep love for learning and storytelling. He was an avid reader, particularly of military history, and enjoyed painting miniature soldiers and recreating historic battles with remarkable detail and care. His enthusiasm for history, both in and out of the classroom, left a lasting impression on many.

A committed volunteer, Kevin coached flag football for over seven years, T-ball for five, and basketball for two. He was also a dedicated leader in the Boy Scout community for more than a decade, contributing his time, mentorship, and leadership to countless young lives.

A true Hawkeye at heart, Kevin was a passionate fan of University of Iowa football, basketball, and wrestling. When the University of Iowa flag flew outside the family home, the neighbors knew—it was game day!

Kevin is survived by his loving wife of 40 years, Deb; his children Joshua, Sarah, and Trina; brother, Dennis Smith; and many extended family members and friends whose lives he touched. He was preceded in death by his parents, Wayne and Jeanne Smith, and his brothers Greg and Steve Smith.

Kevin’s legacy is one of service, education, and love. He will be remembered for his unwavering dedication to his family, his country, his students, and his community.