Picture a 152-pound high school senior playing right guard for the Pittsburg Pirates football team back in 1955.  Today a player would be much larger and stronger.  Kenny "Buster" Smith was that football player back in 1955.  Smaller than most opponents yet extremely good at his position.  He was honored as a First Team All-League and All Metropolitan football player.

It was his courage, will and determination that fueled his playing days and life.  Kenneth L. Smith (Kenny) passed into heaven on July 7, 2022, after battling cancer for 10 months.  Kenny grew up in Pittsburg, CA and was the son of Manford and Helen Smith.  He was an avid sports enthusiast playing baseball and basketball with his friends at the Boys and Girls Club.

Kenny's love of sports and passion to help others made him and his close friend's wonderful coaches within Antioch Little League and Babe Ruth.  He was a Junior Football League (JFL) coach in Antioch for many years.  Not just a coach but also an influencer of players to do well in school and treat others with respect.  Kenny had the privilege to coach the Pittsburg Mallards, who were Pop Warner Football National Champions in 1963.  Most recently he could be seen playing bocce ball in Antioch and Pittsburg with his family and friends.  A popular and joyful man.

A hard-working father and husband, Kenny had a long and enjoyable 37-year career as an insurance agent for State Farm in Antioch.  You would often see many people come to the office for advice and to share a cup of coffee with Kenny and his daughter Lisa.

Kenny is survived by his loving wife Myrna and children David Smith (Julie) of El Dorado Hills, Lisa Costanza of Brentwood, and stepchildren Bruce Brown of College Grove TN, Brett Brown (Susan) of College Grove TN, and Kara Kaiser of Antioch.  "Papa" was his name to all 12 of his grandchildren and to his 9 great grandchildren.

While it saddens us to lose such a fine man, let us cherish and rejoice our relationship and fond memories of him.  Please join us for a viewing on Wednesday, July 20, 2022, from 4:00 to 7:00pm at the Pittsburg Funeral Chapel, 2295 Railroad Ave, Pittsburg CA, 94565. You are welcome to attend a Celebration of Life on Thursday, August 4, 2022, at 11:00am at Golden Hills Community Church located at 2401 Shady Willow Lane, Brentwood, CA 94513.