Beloved father, grandfather, and great grandfather, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Saturday, April 27, 2024 at the age of 80 due to injuries sustained in a car accident the week prior. We were given a tremendous gift in the last hours of his life to hear him speak to us, embrace us, and say all our goodbyes together. We will treasure those precious moments for the rest of our lives.
Growing up with a dad like ours was unique. He came into our lives later, but he saved us as children, gave us a life we would have never had, and raised us like his own. He was a wild child turned instant father of 4. We never once doubted that we were loved and if any one of us ever needed help, he would be there in an instant.
He walked through life, seemingly unbothered by the things that weigh most of us down. He always had a smile on his face and was quick to laugh or tell a crazy story from his adventurous youth. He embraced life and never let small matters overwhelm him. He would always tell us in our hard times, “it’s just a thing, it’ll pass”. He was usually right.
Our father loved life and lived in the moment, appreciating the small joys: a fresh cup of coffee, spring in bloom, the colors of Fall, the quiet after a fresh snow, his favorite Chinese food spot, a train ride, a classic Western, a sweet slice of watermelon. But his absolute favorite was a cold Coca Cola paired with a newly opened pack of Lucky Strikes, his infamous trademark “a coke and a smoke.”
Our dad’s passion was the open road. He loved the freedom and independence that driving an 18-Wheeler brought. By the end of his career, he had driven through every continental US state, more than once, and to parts of Canada and Mexico. He could, from memory, tell you how to get anywhere in the United States, the best places to eat, and the best sites to see.
Words cannot properly convey how much he will be missed and the impact his absence will have on our family.
Ken leaves behind his dog Frisco and children: LaRona White, Gregory Shaun White, Monte Talley (Kenneth Niazi), Jason Rooney; Grandchildren: Brittany Gubler Shedd (Paul), Brandy Gubler Bautista (Victor), Harmony Hendrickson, Brayden Green, Calvin Scales; Great Grandchildren: Addisyn, Karley, & Karson Shedd; Bryan (Hendrickson) Mackin, Eva & Elena Bautista; Nephew Tim Hamilton (Kelli); and more friends than could possibly be listed in one place.
A Celebration of Life Memorial Gathering will be held from 4:00PM until 8:00PM on Saturday, May 11, 2024, at West Harpeth Funeral Home located at 6962 Charlotte Pike in Nashville.