On November 16, 1946, he wed (Zelda) Lucille Delk. Sharing 53 years of married life, she preceded him in death November 28, 1999.
Kenneth (Ken) graduated watch making school in Cincinnati, Ohio, after his WWII Army service. This training provided him with the technical skills required for his career in precision instrumentation. He later retired from the Sheffield (Bendix) corporation of Dayton, Ohio.
Some of his favorite past times included watch and clock repair, designing and re-creating historic replicas of tin lighting fixtures as well as blacksmithing and wood working. He proudly leaves his creative mark throughout Darke County in the form of the copper City of Greenville Bicentennial time capsule housed in the Greenville City Hall, hand wrought hardware used in many historic buildings and residences, the copper cross top Arcanum’s Trinity United Methodist Church and beautiful liturgical furniture in the Brethren Retirement Community.
Kenneth loved God and was quick with a friendly smile. He was active in the Darke County church community from his boyhood years at West Zion Church to Caylor Chapel (Evangelical United Brethren) of Van Buren township and both Faith and Trinity United Methodist churches in Arcanum. Following in the footsteps of his father, he assumed active leadership roles on the countless boards and committees in addition to sharing Jesus’ message as an inspirational teacher and mentor. In his later years, he devoted to his Bible studies. Sharing his insight into these studies, he reflected “every time I read it, I discover something about myself”.
Ken is survived by his devoted sons, David (Larry Gibson) of Palm Beach Gardens, FL, and Michael (Loretta) of Mason, OH.
In addition to his parents and loving wife, Kenneth was preceded in death by infant son, Steven; daughter, Susan (Pat) Kendall and brother, Nevin (Marjorie) of Colorado.
There will be a service held on Wednesday, July 27, 2016 at 10:00 AM at Trinity United Methodist Church, Arcanum, Ohio, with Pastor Doug Baker officiating. Burial will follow in the Abbottsville Cemetery, Darke County, Ohio, with graveside military service conducted by the Greenville Veterans Honor Guard. Family will receive friends on Tuesday, July 26, 2016 from 5-8 PM at Zechar Bailey Funeral Home.
It is the wishes of the family that memorial contributions be given to the Brethren Retirement Community Resident Aid Fund. Condolences for the family may be sent to www.zecharbailey.com.
