Kenneth Joe Smith

Kenneth Joe Smith was born at home in Wauneta on Nov. 3, 1944 to Wayne and Marie (Vlasin) Smith. He graduated from Wauneta High School in 1963 where after he attended college for three years.
On Aug. 24, 1966, he married the love of his life Barbara Jeanne McBride. For one year Kenny worked at the UNL beef barn and chicken farm while Barb attended college. Upon Barb’s graduation, they moved back to Wauneta and have happily called it home for 55 years.
On April 17, 1968 Kenny was inducted into the United States Army and served his country until being discharged January 29, 1970.
After returning home Kenny immediately began doing day work for Maddux Cattle Company cutting ensilage and driving semi. He eventually started a cow/calf operation, but his love of horses never dwindled. He decided to start his own horse training business, “Hanging Dipper Horse Training” and has also progressed that into a successful breeding program.
Kenny was an active member of the American Legion and American Quarter Horse Association. He also served on the Wauneta/Wauneta-Palisade School Board.
Kenny was preceded in death by parents Wayne and Marie Smith; brother-in-law Dean Dack; and nephew Spencer Smith.
Survivors include wife, Barbara Smith; daughters Maressa Smith and Jodi (Justin) Craig; and grandchildren Logan and Kaitlyn Craig. He also leaves behind siblings Vesta Dack, Dotty (Gene) Bartels, and Stan (Vicky) Smith as well as many nieces, nephews, relatives, and rodeo family.
Kenny touched many lives through his love of horses, whether it be 4-H, rodeo, riding lessons or simply saddling a horse when somebody wanted to ride. He spent numerous years leading the Range Riders Horse 4-H Club where many a horsemen came through his mentorship. Most will remember his unbelievable accuracy when throwing dirt clods at practice and his sneakiness in coming up behind your horse when sitting side saddle. Kenny was kind but firm, and fun yet disciplined. He never missed an opportunity to teach a life lesson.
Due to their passion for rodeo, Kenny and Barb started putting on the Southwest Nebraska High School Rodeo. Rain, snow or shine, the rodeo went on. He and Barb always ensured every athlete got a fair opportunity. Once the rodeo moved to McCook they continued their commitment to the sport by judging and being the rodeo secretary. Kenny mentored many in the rodeo world, was knowledgeable in all events, and was always willing to lend a helping hand. Kenny taught and inspired many along the way.
Kenny’s love of bull dogging was unsurpassed. He traveled many miles to haze steers for cowboys at all levels. From the national high school finals east of the Mississippi to the Daddy of ‘em All in Cheyenne, and other PRCA rodeos west of the Continental Divide, Kenny always supported the next level cowboy.
Kenny impacted many lives simply with his pure and honest values. As he would say, “Saddle up cowboy, you’ll enjoy the ride. Just trust me.”
Visitation was held Sunday, July 2, 2023, 2–5 p.m. (MT) at the Liewer Funeral Home of Wauneta.
A Rosary was recited Sunday, July 2, 2023, 6 p.m. (MT) at the St. John Catholic Church, Wauneta.
A Mass of the Christian Burial was held Monday, July 3, 2023, 10 a.m. (MT) at the St. John Catholic Church of Wauneta with Fr. Gary Brethour and Fr. Lothar Gilde celebrants. Interment followed with full military honors at Riverside Cemetery, Wauneta.
A memorial in Kenny’s memory has been suggested to the Smith Family for a future designation.
Online condolences may be left at liewerfuneralhome.com.
Liewer Funeral Home of Wauneta is entrusted with arrangements.