VALLEY FORGE, PA (ABNS 2/24/12)—Rev. Kenneth L. Smith, 87, past executive director of Milwaukee Christian Center, died on Feb. 16.

Smith was board member emeritus at the center, which he had served for 33 years, beginning as a worker in the boys’ program. Part of American Baptist Home Mission Societies’ Neighborhood Action Program, the center is a multifaceted social service and neighborhood development agency that serves families, youth and senior citizens. Its programs include an emergency food pantry and neighborhood improvement project.

Smith had also served as pastor at Hulbert Baptist Church, Milwaukee.

He was a member of Underwood Memorial Baptist Church, Wauwatosa, Wis., for many years and enjoyed singing bass in the church’s choir.

He is survived by his wife, Phyllis (Vander Plaats) Smith; daughter, Cheri, wife of Mark Damkoehler; sons, Grant, husband of Jane, and Kermit, husband of Janine; brother David, husband of Marilyn; and granddaughters, Jenna and Leah. He was predeceased by a son, Andrew, and a sister, Marcia, wife of Anthony Oliver.

Visitation will be held from 10 to 11 a.m. tomorrow (Saturday, Feb. 25) at Underwood Memorial Baptist Church. A service will begin at 11 a.m. at the church, and a potluck lunch will follow in the fellowship hall.

Memorial contributions can be made to Underwood Memorial Baptist Church, 1916 Wauwatosa Ave., Wauwatosa, WI, 53213, or Milwaukee Christian Center, 2137 W. Greenfield Ave., Milwaukee, WI, 53204.

American Baptist Home Mission Societies—the domestic mission arm of American Baptist Churches USA (ABCUSA)—ministers as the caring heart and serving hands of Jesus Christ across the United States and Puerto Rico through a multitude of initiatives that focus on discipleship, community and justice.
American Baptist Churches USA is one of the most diverse Christian denominations today, with 5,500 local congregations comprised of 1.3 million members, across the United States and Puerto Rico, all engaged in God’s mission around the world.