Kenneth Lee “Ken” Smock, 74, of Galesburg, Illinois, died at 12:19 p.m. Wednesday, August 19, 2026, at OSF Holy Family Medical Center in Monmouth, Illinois.
He was born September 27, 1951, in Macomb, Illinois, the son of James Leland and Barbara Ellen (Coons) Smock. He married Lavina Ione Lewis on October 11, 1971, in Roseville, Illinois. She preceded him in death on November 16, 2019, after 48 years of marriage.
Surviving are his son, James Lee Smock of Virginia; his daughter, Angela Kay Smock of North Carolina; four grandchildren, Alyssa, Vanessa, Ashlyn, and Alston “AJ”; his brother, Gregory (Dani) Smock of Savoy, Illinois; and three sisters, Barbara “Jean” (James) Smith of Galesburg, Rebecca Ellison of Galesburg, and Julie Kay (Roger) Lundeen of Galesburg. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews.
Ken graduated from Avon High School in 1969. He then served in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War and was stationed in Okinawa, Japan; Hawaii; Adak, Alaska, and Virginia. He retired after 20 years of service as a Radioman Senior Chief Petty Officer. During his military service, he earned his bachelor’s degree from Saint Leo University in Florida.
In 1995, Ken began working as an Information Technology Specialist for the United States Department of Agriculture, retiring on June 28, 2012. He was a member of Disabled American Veterans.
Ken held a private pilot’s license and enjoyed flying. He also enjoyed woodworking, 3D printing, and playing golf. He was an avid Green Bay Packers fan.
As Ken requested, cremation will be accorded. A graveside service will be held 12:00 Noon Friday, September 4, 2026, at Rock Island National Cemetery, where he and his wife, Lavina, will be laid to rest. Chaplain Jordan Knight will officiate. Military honors will be provided by the Moline American Legion. Those wanting to attend the funeral service must meet at the Stoney Creek Hotel Quad Cities, 101 18th St., Moline, IL 61265 and travel in the procession with the family.
In Lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to LaMoine Christian Camp or the American Cancer Society. Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral Directors and Cremation Services, Galesburg Chapel, is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be shared at www.h-p-w.com.
