In loving memory of
Kenneth Smithers
June 7, 2007
Kenneth W. Smithers, age 81, of 2130 Sunny Lane, died Thursday, June 7, 2007 at 9:50 am in Quincy.
He was born January 22, 1926 in Pittsfield, Illinois the son of Otto Enoch and Nellie J. Willard Smithers, Sr. On March 30, 1946 he married Mary Ileen Musick in Quincy, and she preceded him in death on November 21, 2000.
He was a 1944 graduate of Quincy Senior High School, but was in the service at graduation time and received his diploma when he returned home in 1945.
In 1942 Ken worked nights and Saturdays at the A&P Store, 9th and Broadway while attending high school. In June of 1943 Ken worked for ABC Packing Machine Company, 11th and Maine, and was foreman of two shifts in the electro-plating department which made cadmium plating fuses for the US Army tank shells.
Ken passed the United States Army Air Force Cadet Program in 1943, and entered the service on March 30, 1944. He was a Tail-Gunner on a B-17 Bomber, 385th Bomb Group, Wolf Squadron near Elmswell, Suffolk County, England. Ken was a Sergeant and flew 18 missions over Germany. He was awarded the Air Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters, the EAME Ribbon with four Battle Stars, the American Theater Medal, the Victory Medal of WWII, and the Good Conduct Medal. On January 3, 2003 Ken was awarded the French Consulate's Special Diploma for serving in French Airspace from 1944-1945. Ken completed two government sponsored courses on Gunnery and Armament Schools while in the service.
Ken was employed at Gardner Denver for 31 years and worked as a Purchasing Agent for Maintenance, Repair and Operational Supplies. Ken attended courses at Gem City Business College, Seminars on Negotiations, and visited many manufacturing plants in the USA and Canada. He attended courses at the American School and ICS, received the Electric Motor Certificate and a certificate in Oxygen and Electric Welding.
He was a member of Trinity United Church of Christ and ushered and served two terms on the Board of Trustees. He was a former member of the ILAMO Purchasing Association with meetings in Quincy, Keokuk, Fort Madison and Burlington, the Gardner Denver Quarter Century Club, Herman Lodge #39, A. F. & A. M. for over 50 years, the Elks Lodge, the Moose Lodge, the VFW, NRA and the American Legion.
Ken loved bowling, golf, fishing, hunting, and trap shooting. He went on fishing trips to Canada and Minnesota, and on pheasant hunting trips to Iowa and Northern Illinois. Ken and Mary traveled to many places to sight see and visit.
Survivors include two daughters, Donna L. Moody and husband Steven and Linda S. Davis and husband Jerry, all of Quincy; 3 grandchildren, Maggie Walker and husband Kevin, of Payson, IL, Stephanie and Tiffany Miles, of Quincy; a sister, Genadine "Jenny" McConnell of Quincy. He was also preceded in death by his parents, a sister, Geraldine "Jerry" Purdy and a brother Otto E. Smithers, Jr., and a brother-in-law Leaton McConnell.
Services will be Monday, June 11, 2007 at 1:30 pm in the Hansen-Spear Funeral Home with Rev. Timothy A. White officiating. Visitation will be Sunday, June 10 from 3-5 pm at the funeral home. Burial will be in Greenmount Cemetery. Memorials made to Trinity United Church of Christ, Alzheimer's Association or the charity of the donor's choice in his name would be appreciated.