In 1943 he was inducted into the Army & qualified for the Army Specialized Training Program (ASTP) instituted by the United States Army during World War II to meet wartime demands both for junior officers and soldiers with technical skills. Mr. Coburn attended Texas A & M University with courses in engineering while in the ASTP. He then deployed to Marseilles France and fought into Austria & Germany where he served as a combat engineer in the 103rd Army Division under General “Nuts” McAuliffe.
On discharge from the Army he returned stateside and attended University of Detroit where he completed his degree in Mechanical Engineering as Salutatorian of his class. Mr. Coburn began his career with the Ford Motor Company in 1949. He provided innovative ideas, primarily in glass, and was responsible for planning and engineering of the world's largest glass manufacturing plant under one roof in Nashville, TN. He returned to Dearborn, MI to head the Glass Division worldwide. Later he became Manager of the Castings Dept. and went on to manage the Rouge Complex comprised of 6 Ford plants.
After 30 years of service to Ford Motor Company, Mr. Coburn retired to travel extensively for a decade with his wife, Philomena, and finally settle in a lovely home on the 11th hole of the Boulder City Golf Course. Ken was an avid golfer.
He was predeceased by his wife, Philomena L. Coburn & son Kenneth J. “Bud” Coburn.
Mr. Coburn is survived by his sons Michael F. Coburn & Thomas C. Coburn of Boulder City, NV and daughter & Son-In-Law, Karen & Bill Judge of Las Vegas, NV, Granddaughters Shannon Judge of Camano Island, WA., Bonnie & Ross Garven of Boise, ID, Colleen & Brian David of Huntington Beach, CA and 8 great-grandchildren, Amara & Chase Mulhall, Garrett, Kamryn, Bradie and Brynna Garven, Zach and Reiley David.
Services are at Palm Mortuary in Henderson, Nv at noon on April 12 and the chapel at Veterans Cemetary at 1:20 April 12 in Boulder City followed by interment graveside.
