Kendall L. "Ken" Smith, 56 of Fleming passed away Wed., May 14, 2014 in Sterling, Colorado after a long and courageous battle with cancer. Ken requested cremation. Memorial services will be held at Fleming United Methodist Church on Thurs., June 12, 2014 at 4:00 p.m. Those wishing to sign Ken's memory book may do so at Chaney-Reager Funeral Home in Sterling. Ken was born June 16, 1957 in Sterling on Father's Day to Leslie L. Smith and Norma J. Wolfe Smith. He graduated from Fleming High School in 1975 and was a graduate of Northeastern Junior College and Colorado State University earning a BS degree in Agronomy. Following graduation, Ken returned to the family farm near Fleming where he was involved in farming and ranching and tenant farming for others. Previous employment included Jack's Bean Co. in Julesburg and trucking. Ken joined the Farm House fraternity while at CSU and maintained an active involvement in the organization. He was a member of several gun clubs through out the years and earned numerous awards for his marksmanship. He received many accolades for his contributions to agriculture. Ken loved the country life and had a deep appreciation for nature. He was dedicated to hard work and was a good steward of the land. He had a passion for cattle and took special interest in his cow/calf operation, building his herd from two cows to over a hundred at his death. Ken was an avid hunter and also enjoyed fishing and camping, and was an accomplished guide for big game hunting. His other interests included photography, his 1973 Mustang, and his 1979 Ford pickup trucks. Ken married Dr. Lori Bradley in 1995. To this union two children, Ashley and Alec were born. They later divorced. The joy of his life was spending time with his beloved children; Ashley and Alec, with whom he shared the farm experience and many hunting and fishing adventures. His self determination and positive attitude rarely let his illness interfere with his involvement in activities with his children. Ken was known for his kindness, generosity, and willingness to help others. He delighted in seeing the beauty of nature and therefore was a cornea donor. Ken will be fondly remembered and deeply missed by his children and other family and friends. He is survived by his father, Leslie Smith of Fleming; his children, daughter Ashley of Greenwood Village; son Alec of Fleming; and special companion dog, Rose; sister Julie (Roger) Murphy of Canton, Texas; and three nieces. Other survivors include several aunts, uncles, cousins and many friends. Ken was preceded in death by his mother, Norma Smith, maternal grandparents, John and Ida Wolfe, and paternal grandparents, Elbert and Rhoda Smith. Donations may be made to Ken Smith Memorial for his children's educational fund in care of Chaney-Reager Funeral Home, P.O. Box 1046, Sterling, CO 80751--Journal Advocate, June 9, 2014