Birth date: Oct 17, 1917 Death date: Nov 6, 2015
Decatur – Kenneth H. Park, 98, passed away peacefully on November 6, 2015, after a career that spanned almost 50 years in the fields of recreation and athletics. Ken was born to Lesley and Maud (Gepford) Park on October 17, 1917, Read Obituary
I TOOK TUMBLING FROM KEN IN LATE 80S FOR CHEERLEADING AND THEN IN THE 90S HE TAUGHT MY DAUGHTER TUMBLING; SHE DID POWER TUMBLING WITH HIM FOR A FEW YEARS; I ALSO COACHED TUMBLING WITH HIM AT THE YWCA; WHAT AN INCREDIBLE MAN AND AN INCREDIBLE PRIVILEGE TO WORK SIDE BY SIDE WITH HIM!!! HE WAS A GREAT MAN AND WILL BE MISSEDMY PRAYERS ARE WITH HIS FAMILY
There are many that have lost a dear friend and leader with the passing of Coach Park. He influenced so many young lives and impacted everyone he met with his kind, caring way and good work ethic. He always told me I could do anything and to this day I can still hear him telling me that. My husband played football for Coach that left him with drive and determination to taken on the world. On this Veteran's Day, we can honor this kind, gentle, man that touched each of us in his own special way. Thanks Coach for being what each one of us needed and still benefit from today. Your tireless effort in helping to mold our lives is appreciated more than you know. The Navy will lay to rest a great Chief and mentor. Rest in peace dear friend.Jim and Rosie Ragan
Lit a candle in memory of Kenneth H. Park
Great teacher, great coach, great friend – Bill Steenblock
I have fond memories of learning to do back-flips with Mr. Park's instruction and always loved going to his classes. He had a real positive and fun way of teaching and was a natural at showing kids how to push themselves. What a wonderful man he was! Julie Fritz
Was manager for Ken and you. Appreciated the great mentors in my life.
It was halftime of a football game my junior year at Mt. Zion. We were getting beaten. Coach Ken Park gathered the players in a hallway to deliver his speech. In two years of playing varsity football, I never once heard Coach raise his voice to try to motivate his players. He didn't have to. He made his point by being quietly subtle. Coach knew that he had two or three players in his offensive line who were in the school band. Said he on that night 50 some years ago, "Fellas, if we can get our horn tooters to block we can win this game.'' Message delivered. The horn tooters blocked, the Braves won the game. Coach was not only a great leader and teacher, he was a great man.A winner. And a class act.Larry Henry-Snohomish, Wash.
Mr. Park was one of the kindest persons I have had the privilege to know. He taught my daughter tumbling for many years at the Y. He was such an inspiration and had a very good rapport with all of the children and young adults that he worked with. It was a blessing to know him. He was a very special person. The world could use a lot more people like Mr. Park.Warm thoughts and Prayers
During the early 1970's I was stationed with Ken at the Decatur Naval Reserve Center. Ken was a great shipmate to work with. Always a can do attitude and willing to help anyone with any problem. Our loss of a great man who touched so many lives is certainly Heaven's gain. Rest in Peace Ken. "Fair Winds and Following Seas."Allen LeeSenior Chief, USNRetired
Ken was such a caring and respected man and I'm so happy that Allen and I got to know him, we really loved being your neighbor and friend. My deepest sympathy to you Ella. Love Michelle and Allen Price
