Kenneth Ross Smith's Obituary
Kenneth Ross Smith was born on May 16, 1924 in Laurel, Oregon to Le Roy & Sarah Baker Smith.
He died at his daughters home in St. Helens on February 19, 2009 at the age of 84.
He attended schools in Vernonia, Columbia City, Bachelor Flat, St. Helens and graduated from St. Helens Hi School in 1943.
He then elisted into the Army Air Force. He served in the 389th Bomb Group and flew many missions out of Hethel England over Germany, mostly as nose gunner. Sometimes returning to base after being hit by enemy fire.
Following his years in the Air Force he returned to St. Helens and worked in the paper mill until he took early retirement due to on the job injuries.
He was an avid hunter and fisherman, and well known as a gun collector. He had many friends that he met over the years. He attended many Air Force reunions wherever in the United States or abroad, for several years. He enjoyed traveling and made trips to Hawaii, England, Sweden, several trips to the East Coast and other cities in the U.S.
He married Phyllis Fern Ego on September 6, 1946, she preceded him in death on February 4, 1982. His mother preceded him in on Jan. 3, 1957, his father on Nov. 6, 1976, brothers: David on June 7, 1983, Ronald on April 12, 1986 and a sister: Beverly Jean Marion Davis on June 28, 2003.
Survivors include: 2 daughters: Phyllis Mae McNameee Bob; Margaret Dianne Hoxey Ray; Son: Douglas Smith; Sister: Harriet Ann Curtis Ray; Brothers: Delmer Smith Eleanor; Jerold Smith Pam; three grandchildren: Brianne Cox Jason; Wendi Smith; Frank Hoxey Jaime; five great grandchildren: Riley, Dakota, Allie, Cassie, Tristen and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews and many friends.
Graveside service & vault interment: Bethany Memorial Cemetery; Wednesday February 25, 2009 at 11:00 AM followed by a Celebration of Life at 1:00 PM at the St. Helens Senior Center.
Memorial contributions may be made to the St. Helens Senior Center P.O. Box 692 St. Helens, Oregon 97051
on-line condolences may be made to the family at www.columbiafh.com
Columbia Funeral Home-Directors
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