Kenneth D. Smarsh

Kenneth D. Smarsh, 76, of Elkhart, formerly of Bristol, passed away on Thursday, October 21, 2021, at Greenleaf Health Campus. He was born in Northern Cambria, PA on January 13, 1945, to the late John Smarsh and DeLillis (Keirn) Smarsh-Pentz.

Kenneth is also preceded in death by his brothers, George D. Smarsh and Norman A. Smarsh. He is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Jacqueline A. Smarsh; son, John G. (Tamara Sandoval) Smarsh; grandchildren, Angelina M. Smarsh and Elisa I. Smarsh; brother, Martin J. Smarsh of Middleton, PA; sister, Judith Galloway of Pelzer, SC; and many nieces and nephews.

Kenneth retired from Lincoln Electric Company after nearly 30 years of service. He learned his skills as a Class A Journeyman Machinist and proudly served in the United States Airforce during the Vietnam War from November 1963 to November 1967. There he taught his fellow comrades survival skills by having them parachute into the Black Hills. Kenneth was a member and the president of the Holy Name Society at St. Paul’s Catholic Church in Euclid, OH. He later became a devout member of St. Mary of the Annunciation Parish in Bristol, IN. Kenneth was a loving husband and was a hard worker who strove to serve his family. He had a great sense of humor and had a smile that could light up a room. Kenneth never met a stranger and enjoyed traveling.

A private Mass of a Christian Burial will be held at St. Mary of the Annunciation Catholic Church in Bristol with Father Robert A. Van Kempen to officiate. Cremation will follow at Billings Funeral Home, 812 Baldwin St. in Elkhart.    

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