Kenneth Nicholas Korpon

Kenneth Nicholas Korpon, son of Nicholas and Margaret Korpon, was born March 16, 1948, in Long Branch, New Jersey.  He departed this life May 2, 2014, at the West Valley Hospital, in Goodyear, Arizona, at the age of sixty-six years, one month, and sixteen days.

In 2000, he was united in marriage to Deana C. Waters, and they shared the last fourteen years.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one granddaughter.

Ken is survived by his wife Deana, of the home; a son, John Waters, and his wife, Laurie, of Lebanon, Missouri; five granddaughters, Kerstyn, Abbigail, Jaidyn, Emma, and Liberty; a brother, Steve Korpon, and his wife, Celeste, of Bolivia, NC; two nephews, Nik Korpon, and his wife, Amanda, and Dan Korpon, and his wife, Laura; as well as a host of other relatives and many friends.

Ken was born and raised in New Jersey, and after graduating from high school, he earned his undergraduate degree from Gordon College, in Wenham, Massachusetts.  He was then drafted into the United States Army and was sent to officer training school.  Ken was stationed in Vietnam from March of 1971 until March of 1972, as part of the Chuong-Thien Advisory team, for which he received the Bronze Star Medal.  Ken then continued to serve his country in the Army reserves until being honorable retired in 1996.

In the fall of 1972, Ken began his graduate studies at Northern Arizona University and after obtaining his master’s degree, he began a career in education.  He started teaching in Tuba City, Arizona, and remained there for twenty years, serving as a teacher and then as an Assistant Principal.  Ken later served as Principal at Sanders High School, Pinon High School, and Ganado High School, all the while teaching classes in history at various colleges and universities in the area.  After he and Deana were married, they moved to Litchfield Park, Arizona, and enjoyed their retirement years.

He had a delightful sense of humor, loved to laugh, and enjoyed telling jokes.  He loved assembling kits of military tanks, planes, and trucks.  He loved to hear stories of the grandchildren and their latest adventure.  He loved all animals and would go to great measures to make sure they were safe, fed, and loved.

Ken was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and was a caring neighbor and friend.  We celebrate his life and know that he will be fondly remembered as a devoted family man, a dedicated educator and administrator, a decorated soldier, and as a good friend.  He will be greatly missed by all those who knew and loved him.