Kenneth Charles McLaughlin

Kenneth Charles McLaughlin a (PK) preacher’s kid was born on March 17, 1926 in Centralia, WA to Emmett M. and Minnie (Miner) McLaughlin. By 1944 the family had moved to Walla Walla, Washington where his father was the pastor of the Assembly of God Church. Ken graduated from the Walla Walla High School. He joined the United States Navy during World War II. In 1947 he was called back to the Navy to serve in the Korean War.

Ken began to establish his roots in Yakima following his service in the Navy. He worked for Langevin-Mussetter Funeral Home as well as Keith & Keith Funeral Directors. Ken was an accomplished organist as well as a pianist, his musical ability was received in all the local funeral homes as well as the churches he attended. He also worked and retired from the United States Postal Service.

Ken Married Barbara Hildreth and they had three children-Michael, Susan and Terri. They were blessed with five grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Sadly, Barbara preceded Ken in death several years later.

Ken and Deanna were married in 1975 and he inherited three step children Debby, Wendy and George with six more grandchildren. Ken has been active in the Stone Church for over 31 years. He sang in the church choir, participated in the Signing Christmas Trees at the Capitol Theatre. He loved to harmonize with the “Singing Grandfathers” group. He was a regular at the weekly Friday morning coffee breakfast for retired fellows of Stone Church at Starbucks on 72nd Avenue. That time of fellowship meant a lot to Ken. Ken was a gentle servant of the Lord.

Visitation will be today from 4:00 Pm to 8:00 PM at Keith & Keith Funeral Home. Funeral services will be conducted Friday May 25, 2012 at 2:00 PM in the Keith & Keith 9th Avenue Chapel with concluding services and burial to follow in the Terrace Heights Memorial Park. To share a memory of Ken please visit keithandkeith.com.