Kenneth Edwin Pace

Kenneth “Ken” Edwin Pace, 67, passed away on May 19, 2015 at home with his wife, Carolyn, and step daughter, Victoria Thompson, at his side. He was born in Amarillo, Texas on January 21, 1948 to the late Henry and Juanita Hawkins Pace, and lived there until he entered the United States Army.

SFC Pace had a 23-year military career which included two combat tours in Vietnam. Throughout his service, he was awarded the Purple Heart, Bronze Star Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (1st OLC), National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm Unit Citation, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, Overseas Service Bars, Master Parachutist Badge and other awards and commendations for honorable service to his country. Having served in both the 101st and 82nd Airborne, he enjoyed affiliation and lifetime membership in both regional associations. Ken retired from his military career in 1989.

Following military service, he continued his education at Pikes Peak Community College and Colorado State University – Pueblo, received a degree in Social Services and was a Certified Addictions Counselor at Pikes Peak Mental Health Center (now Aspen Point) for 17 years and at Colorado Treatment Services for 6 years. Ken’s colleagues and clients state that he offered counseling, encouragement and inspiration to those whom he encountered.

Ken was a member of Calvary United Methodist Church. Avid travelers, Ken and his wife, Carolyn, visited five continents and more than 50 countries together. He loved the game of golf, played as often as he could, and was privileged to play at courses around the world.

To cherish his memory, he leaves his wife, Carolyn; step daughter, Victoria Thompson (Alexander); three sisters, Juanita Boggs, Konetta Tooley, Lucille Santos (Agustin); two brothers, Sam (Susan) and David Pace; special relatives-by-choice, Lt. Colonel Charles Gates, Jr. (Chrystal), God granddaughters, Caitlyn and Cadence Gates; and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, friends and associates from across the U.S. Ken was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Juanita Hawkins Pace; four brothers, Oscar, Victor, Junior Lee, and Randall; and one sister, Vallie May McDonald.

Visitation - 9:00 a.m., funeral service - 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, May 26, 2015, Calvary United Methodist Church, 4210 Austin Bluffs Parkway. Military honors and committal will follow at Fort Logan National Cemetery in Denver.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Rocky Mountain Chapter of the 82nd Airborne Division Association, 2122 W. 28th Ave, Denver, CO 80211 or Rocky Mountain Eagles Chapter of the 101st Airborne Division Association, P.O. Box 9627, Colorado Springs, CO 80932.