Earl "Kenny" Lowden Jr.

Kenny was born on March 19, 1939 in Newport, RI. He was the youngest of 7 children. Ken had to be tough as he spent his early years in and out of Foster Care in Newport. He graduated from 8th grade (later earning his GED) and then @ age 17 he joined the Airforce. He married his first wife Glenda Johnson and to that union was born 3 children. Karen – Kenneth (Woody) & Gary. They lived in Rapid City SD, Hutchinson KS, moved to OK, TX and back to KS. He came to Las Vegas in 1979 and it was here that he met his current wife Nancy Barry.

Kenny’s biggest passion in life was his love of cooking. He took great pride and care in his preparation of a meal – in fact most of us would call Ken a master chef. Anyone who sampled Ken’s ribs always walked away in amazement of his skills. He was happiest when he received praise over his suppers – and praise he got. While in KS he owned a restaurant. He said it was a LOT of hard work but well worth the effort. He enjoyed “tweaking” every recipe to his taste and perfection. He prepared many special dishes.

He was very diversified in his work life. From his Airforce years to owning a filling station, to the restaurant and upon moving to Las Vegas he got into the Security business and worked in multiple casinos as a security officer. He started his security career @ Caesars Palace (which was his love), then Fremont, Desert Inn, Silverton and he came out of retirement due to boredom and worked part time @ Desert Springs Hosp.

His favorite vacation spot was Maui, Hawaii. He and Nancy spent many happy moments there. He also loved to spend his time at their cabin @ Pickerel Lake in NE South Dakota. He loved the peace and serenity of the surroundings. He became quite the “Avid Hunter”. He shot wildlife and nature pictures with his camera. Ken loved to tell a story with each picture. He has a vast collection of AWESOME hummingbirds & Pelicans. Also pictures of other Wildlife and birds around the cabin. He also enjoyed an early morning boat ride in search of the “perfect shot”.

At age 74 he fully retired and donated his time and cooking skills to fixing meals for the less fortunate. He absolutely LOVED doing this. Said it was one of the most rewarding things that he has ever experienced. He worked at a small mission not far from the house and for the last 3 years it held his heart. He loved it and the people that came there loved him. On the days he wasn’t cooking they would ask – where is Mr. Ken?

His Christian Faith was very important to him – especially in his later years! About 3 years ago he found the Lord again and became very involved in studying and learning the Bible and teaching it to others. He even beginning to do sermons as a guest speaker and was fortunate enough to bring a couple people to the Lord. That was most exciting for Ken.

3 of Ken’s biggest highlights and proudest moments were getting a small speaking part/ cameo in the movie Rainman in 1987. He met and rubbed elbows with Dustin Hoffman & Tom Cruise. Truly a defining moment for Ken – from Foster Homes to a movie star – WOW! Also in 1987 he got his picture taken wit Bo Derek. That was the biggest smile that ever crossed Ken’s face – he was in heaven. And the biggest thrill of his life was working front corner ringside as Security @ all major fights that Caesars Palace hosted in the late 70’s, 80’s and early 90’s. He LOVED it! Meeting and having his picture taken with all the fighters was a dream come true. He had many stories about those days.

Ken is survived by his wife Nancy Barry of Las Vegas, daughter Karen (Jack) Mitchell of Benton, AR, son Gary (Michele) Lowden of Winfield, KS, daughter in law Alyce Lowden of Ottumwa IA, brother in law Bill (Mary) Barry of Las Vegas, sister in law Kathy Sannes of Webster SD, special friends Jan & Joe Barraza of Las Vegas, former wife Glenda Martin of KS, 9 grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren and many nephews and nieces.

He was preceded in death by his oldest son Kenneth (Woody) Lowden, both of his parents, 1 sister, and 5 brothers.

In Lieu of flowers the family requests you pick a charity of your choice in Ken’s name OR City Mission of Las Vegas – 3983 East Desert Inn Rd – Las Vegas NV 89121