SMITH, KENNETH W. (AGE 50) OF LAPLATA, MD

Kenneth Winfred Smith transitioned to eternal life on Wednesday, November 12, 2014 at his residence in LaPlata, MD. He was born December 12, 1963 in Prince Georges County, MD to Roger Wallace Smith and the late Bernice Elizabeth Smith.

Kenneth, who was affectionately known as "Pooch," was educated in the Prince Georges County school system and graduated from Gwynn Park High School. He began his employment with Suggs Transportation, where he worked for ten years, then with the Prince George's Board of Education and Charles County Board of Education for eight years. From those positions, he continued to accelerate, and moving forward in his career, he began employment with CIVISTA Medical Center in La Plata, MD.

Kenneth met the love of his life, Darlette, while at the Waldorf Club (previously known as Veeny's Bar). On June 7, 1990, Kenneth married his sweetheart, Darlette, and from that union his son Kenneth, Jr., was born. He was very proud of his wife and son and they both had great influence in his life.

Kenneth became born again under the leadership of Pastor Cynthia Baker, Shabach Evangelistic Ministries, Waldorf, MD.

He was a loving husband, father, brother and friend. Kenneth was a caring person, a comedian and a hard worker. He loved time with his family especially during the holidays, family dinners and family cookouts. Kenneth had a great interest in sports and all sports statistics. His greatest interests were the high jump track and field, football, basketball and his favorite team, the Dallas Cowboys. He loved his "man cave" and would watch TV including the Dallas games in there. Kenneth loved life and lived it to the fullest and it gave him great joy to see his son marry the love of his life.

Kenneth was preceded in death by his mother, Bernice and brother, Lawrence. He leaves to cherish many memories his loving and devoted wife, Darlette; son, Kenneth, Jr., daughter-in-law, Mary; father, Roger, sisters; Juanita Barber, Vivian Drew, Laura Smith and Sharon Johnson; brothers, Roger, Jr., Abbott "Leroy," and Terrence Smith; Aunt, Pauline Dotson and a host of other relatives and friends.

His viewing will be held from 9am until time of Service 11am on Friday, November 21, 2014 in the Chapel of Thornton Funeral Home, P.A., 3439 Livingston Road, Indian Head, MD 20640.