Kenneth 'Ken' Wayne Smith

Danville Kenneth "Ken" Wayne Smith, 64, of Danville went to be with his Lord and Savior at 2:45 AM on October 27, 2021.

Ken was born on March 31, 1957 the son of Howard Leland and Hyla Jean (Swartz) Smith in Danville, IL. He married Linda Carol Witherspoon on October 9, 1977 in Bismarck, IL and she survives.

Survivors include his wife, Linda Smith of Danville, IL, one son, Erik (Jessica) Smith of Rossville, IL, one daughter, McKenna (Tyler) Hughes of Danville, IL, two grandchildren, Alivea Lucei and Emberlee Smith both of Rossville, IL, two sisters-in-law, Linda D. Smith and Crystal Lynn, one brother-in-law, Bill (Barbara) Witherspoon, nieces and nephews, Michelle (Mike) Ghibaudy, Kimberly (Greg) Johnson, Nathan (Michelle) Smith, David Smith, Kwame Akosah, Madison Witherspoon, and Leslie Witherspoon.

Ken is preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Jack D. Smith and Howard E. Smith as well as his sister-in-law, Judy L Smith.

Ken attended Grange Hall School east of Bismarck, IL and then Bismarck Schools. He graduated from Bismarck High School in 1975 and attended DACC in 1976 where he met his future wife, Linda. From repairing to appraising and collecting, automobiles played a large part in Kens life. Ken owned and operated Kens Body Shop in his early years and later worked for Koehn Motors in the Body Shop. In 1995, Ken began his career with Country Financial as an Auto Damage Appraiser and retired January 4, 2021. He learned to play the piano at an early age and grew up playing at his familys church, Walnut Corner. As an adult, Ken played the piano for his home churches of Northland Christian Church and later CrossRoads Christian Church. He also played piano for the gospel groups Revival Heirs and Crystal Valley Quartet. Ken loved to worship the Lord with his music. He loved his family and friends very much. Kens personality was bigger than life. When he was around, there was never a dull moment and he will be deeply missed.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 10:00 AM on Saturday, November 6, 2021 at CrossRoads Christian Church 3613 N Vermilion Street, Danville, IL 61832. Miles Clark will officiate. Burial will be at Walnut Corner in Bismarck, IL. Visitation will be held on Friday, November 5, 2021 from 5:00 7:00 PM at CrossRoads Christian Church. Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center 3940 N Vermilion St., Danville, Illinois 61834 is assisting the family with arrangements.

It is kindly requested that those in attendance of the visitation or services wear a mask and practice social distancing.

Memorials may be made to CrossRoads Christian Church in Danville, IL

Please join Kenneths family in sharing memories, photos and videos on his tribute wall at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com .