Kenneth Ray Esham

Kenny was born May 19, 1931 in Hume, Illinois. It was there that he met the love of his life, Norma Jean. It was a love that would last for 70 years. After high school, he joined the Air Force, married Norma, and moved to Denver. He served in the Air Force until 1955. After leaving the Air Force he and Norma moved to Tucson where he began a successful career with the Federal Aviation Administration lasting 30 years. Always a go getter, Kenny took a job with Tucson Country Day School after retirement. He was known by staff and kids as Mr. Ken.

Kenny had 4 amazing sons who all live in Tucson – Don Esham, Dave Esham (Laura), Richard Esham (Kelly), and Gary Esham (Sherry). He had 8 grandchildren and two great grandchildren with a third due any day. His grandkids adored his sense of humor and antics. Those who knew him best would describe him as funny, stubborn, ornery, organized, fiercely loving, and loyal. He was a wonderful husband, dad, and grandpa.

Kenny passed away on August 16, 2022 at The Cascades of Tucson. He had been battling dementia. He is joined in heaven by his mother and father, Wreatha and Walter Esham as well as his sisters Fern, Virginia, Ruby, and Irene. He is survived by his sister Ruth. In lieu of flowers, the family prefers donations be made in the name of Kenneth Esham to the Alzeheimer’s Association Desert Southwest Chapter (alz.org/dsw).