Republic’s Smith remembered as dedicated coach, mentor

Kenneth “Todd” Smith, a beloved figure at Republic High School, has passed from the scene. The former Republic science teacher and athletic coach died on Thursday, Sept. 19, at the age of 59, following a lengthy battle with cancer.
Smith began his career with the Republic School District during the 2002-03 school year as a science teacher and an assistant football coach; he later went to teach in Nixa. Nikki Faith, director of communications for the district, said that his career in Republic spanned almost two decades.
“He coached 19 total years in the district as an assistant coach for football, and (he was) head coach in track (for 15 years),” she said. “He taught in the district for 19 years in the science department.”
Tori Mooneyham, girls track coach and girls basketball coach at Republic High School, said that Smith demonstrated an incredible level of dedication to those whom he mentored.
“I was blessed to coach track with Todd for 15 years,” she said. “Todd was a coach that everyone loved. He was the true definition of what a coach should be. He had passion, he was loyal, and he loved his athletes. He made a difference with the long-lasting relationships he made. Through his battle with cancer, he demonstrated an incredible amount of toughness which is what he instilled in every athlete he ever coached. He touched the lives of so many, including myself, and I am honored to have called him my friend.”
A visitation will be held for Smith at the Meadors Funeral Home, located at 314 N. Main Ave. in Republic, on Saturday, Oct. 5, from 2-5 p.m. According to his obituary, in lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Smith’s name to the American Cancer Society by mail at P.O. Box 6704, Hagerstown, MD 21741, or online at www.cancer.org/donate, or to another charity of the donor’s choice.