Kenneth E. Glass

Kenneth E. Glass (aka Mayor of Smithville, Indiana) passed away on February 3, 2025, at his home in Smithville surrounded by his family, at the age of 91. Today, and in the future, our family is missing the quiet tug of love that keeps us anchored within the importance of family. Kenny was born October 9, 1933, to William Henry Glass and Lucille (McKelvey) Glass in Anderson, Indiana. Kenny was a 1952 graduate of Spencer High School in Owen County. He served in the Korean Conflict, PFC in the ambulance company, 24th Medical Battalion, he was stationed near the DMZ line. He was employed for many years with Tom Taylor Foods as sales representative, he became owner of Gib Denzil’s restaurant in Bloomington in the mid-1970s. Kenny and Frank Calabrese became the original co-founders of Diamond Dynamics in Smithville. He was a devoted member of the Bloomington Masonic Lodge for over 50 years and a member of the Monroe County Shriners. Kenny owned several antique cars, he loved driving the cars in local parades with a grandchild, he became a long-time member of the Cruisin Classic Car Club. He was a long-time member and attended Smithville Christian and Sherwood Oak Churches. A big honor for Kenny was driving the VA vehicle transporting fellow veterans to the VA hospital in Indianapolis. Kenny was not one to sit still, an opportunity came knocking on his door and he jumped right in feet first, a time that defined his role in the small town he adopted. The newly elected Clear Creek Trustee Thelma Kelley Jeffries asked Kenny and Jeannie to assist her in her dream of a Smithville Renaissance. Kenny oversaw the remodeling of the historic Red Men Hall. Was a founding member and held a leadership role in the Smithville Area Association. He cleared four acres of land between Smithville High School and the town and oversaw the park which is now named the “Kenny and Jean Glass Community Park.” He then oversaw the creation of the limestone War Memorial which is placed in the heart of Smithville, the monument was created by his brother-in-law Lew Hill Monuments. Next came the Historical Park which sits on the land owned by a pre-civil war doctor, also he oversaw the moving of Doc Mitchell’s office to the Smithville campus. Kenny was involved in the plethora of events that occur throughout the year, such as Labor Day in the Park. In 2002, the old Smithville High School was returned to Clear Creek Township, Kenny was instrumental in the renovation of the building and was the facility manager for over 20 years. In August 2024, the old Smithville High School was dedicated to Ken, the plaque reads, “Kenneth Glass has given time, energy, and many resources to the Smithville community on behalf of Clear Creek Township. Therefore, this building is dedicated in gratitude for over 30 years of exemplary service, commitment and dedication to the Smithville Community Center”. Kenny oversaw many projects but what he loved most was the interaction and daily contact of the locals and others that came to assist in the maintenance of the many facilities he managed. At the beginning of this historic growth he called on local farmers, developers, electricians, etc., they all came together to build a place for not only for the Smithville residents but the many quests that come for the annual Smithville High School Reunion, 4-H and children’s events, holiday bazaars, chili & Thanksgiving suppers and Santa Claus. Ken could be seen daily in the area mowing and trimming the many lots in his adopted town of Smithville. We believe because of his daily devotion to the town he was honored with the title of Mayor by an unknown source and the unofficial title of Mayor of Smithville stuck. Even in his last days he was voicing concerns for his family and the town of Smithville and the old Smithville High School/Community Center. It was said recently that when Kenny married Jean in 1968, he took on a job with three grown daughters that joined him and his daughter Judy, the Hill family, and the town of Smithville. In death, Kenny was preceded by his parents, his sister Betty Glass and brother Robert (Bobby) Glass, nephew Donald D. Glass, and his wife of 50+ years Imogene “Jeannie” (Hill) Glass, a granddaughter Suzie Sharp, daughters Linda McCammon and Tamara (McCammon) Sharp. He is survived by his brother Charles Glass, Charles’s daughters Dorothy J. Glass and Lois Ann Farr. Kenny’s daughters Judith (Jerry) Hinnefeld and Rozzie (Dan) Gerstman. His grandchildren, Anita Bastin (Chris) Bohn, Chad Richardson, Angela Richardson (Brent) Mayle, Ashley (Matt Bartlett) Hinnefeld and Alyssa Hinnefeld (Michael) Dunn. Ken loved being with his Great-Grandchildren, Addison Mayle, Ava Jane Bohn, Theo Caudell and Pearl Bartlett. His nieces and nephews: the Thomas S. & Rita Hill family, Jimmy Ray & Connie Hill family, Denise & Rick Crose & family, Lean & David Blum and family and Brad Wisley. Ken attended many sporting events to support his grands as they played little league and performed in musical plays, the kids loved seeing Papaw at their events. Ken’s family is so grateful to the following people that became part of our family journey this past year: Southern Care Hospice Services Staff made this journey bearable with their caring natures and guidance and answering so many questions and concerns. Amber Carpenter and Tammy Sipes, his daily caregivers. Members of the Smithville Christian Church. His special friends Wayne Smith, Danny Blevins, Nancy Crocker, and Barb Bartlett. Kenny’s funeral service will be held Friday, February 7, 2025 at 1:00PM at Allen Funeral Home and Crematory 4155 South Old State Road 37. He will be laid to rest next to his wife Jeannie in the Smithville Cemetery after the service. Visitation will be held on Thursday February 6, 2025 from 3:00PM to 8:00PM and on Friday from 12:00PM Noon until the time of the services at 1:00PM also at Allen Funeral Home and Cemetery. Online condolences, photos and memories may be shared with family and friends at www.allencares.com

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Kenneth E. Glass

October 9, 1933 - February 3, 2025