Kenneth "Ken" E. King

Kenneth “Ken” E. King, 94, passed away Monday, June 24, 2024 at Arbor Springs in West Des Moines.

Ken was born January 22, 1930 in Unionville, Missouri to Okal and Zelma (Ledford) King. He was the fifth of seven children, which blessed him with three sisters and three brothers. Ken liked to talk about growing up on an acreage in Missouri where they did chores early in the morning before school and at one point lived in a house that had no electricity or indoor plumbing. When he was twelve years old, his family moved to Des Moines. Ken graduated from Roosevelt High School and earned an Associate’s degree in accounting from AIB. He enlisted and served two years in the United States Air Force.

Ken worked for the telephone company for over thirty-five years in multiple positions, which is where he met his wife Kay, whom he married in 1965. They had two children, Kimberly and Debra. He helped Kay open a travel agency, where he did the books and enjoyed the many trips he and Kay and his family took to Alaska, Hawaii, Europe, an Arizona dude ranch, and many other amazing locations. After retirement, Ken and Kay spent several winters in Florida with family, avoiding the Iowa weather.

Ken loved training and riding his horses, going on trail rides, working on his and Kay’s acreage, spending time with family, and going to his daughters’ and granddaughters’ many softball, tennis, volleyball, track, and gymnastics sporting events. He was a Cardinals baseball fan, which created rivalry with his Cubs loving family. Ken was a hard-working man who loved his family deeply. He was a gentle, kind soul with an amazing smile and a stubborn streak.

Ken is survived by his wife, Kay; daughters, Kim (Lorna Johnson) and Deb (Mike Gilchrist); his granddaughters, Alexandra and Camryn Gilchrist; his sister, Melva White; his brother, James King (Nancy); eight brothers- and sisters-in-law; and his many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Okal and Zelma King; his brothers, Marvin King and Vern King; his sisters, Helen Latham and Valdeene Smith; and eleven brothers- and sisters-in-law.

The family will greet friends Monday, July 1, 2024, from 4 pm to 7 pm at Hamilton’s Southtown Funeral Home, 5400 SW 9th Street. A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, July 2nd at 11 am at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the Alzheimer’s Association.

Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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