Roy Kenneth Whitworth, 89, husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather was called home to be with his Lord, Sunday, July 17, 2016. He passed peacefully at his home with his family by his side in Centralia, Wash.
Ken was born in Bloomburg, Texas, to Roy and Marie Whitworth March 25, 1927. He was the youngest of two sons. Ken attended Garnett High School in Garnett, Kan. In January 1945, his senior year, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy. After boot camp, he was assigned to the USS Nereus (AS-17) for active duty in the Pacific. He was discharged in August 1946, in Bremerton, Wash. He completed his high school requirements in Spokane, Wash. Ken then moved to Wenatchee and enrolled at Wenatchee Valley College. He met the love of his life, Loma Rae Price, through his future brother-in-law. Ken and Loma were married in Wenatchee, Wash., Oct. 30, 1948 and made Wenatchee their home for many years, raising their family. He was active in the community and the Okanogan Street Church of Christ and King’s Orchard Church of Christ.
After 30 years of service, he retired as a chief operator for the Rocky Reach Dam-Chelan County Public Utility District in 1979. After retirement, many years were spent traveling in their RV and wintering in Arizona. He also worked part time as a realtor in the Wenatchee Valley. In 2004, they relocated to Centralia. He attended Harrison Square Presbyterian Church in Centralia. In 2015, Ken and his brother, Dean had the opportunity to travel together to Washington D.C., thanks to Puget Sound Honor Flight to visit many of the Military Memorials. This was a major highlight in his later life. He met for breakfast on a weekly basis with many of the local Word War ll veterans and supported the Veterans Memorial Museum.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
He is survived by his loving wife, Loma; brother, Dean (Margaret) of Puyallup; children, Marilyn Applegate (Rob) of Prineville, Ore., Don Whitworth (Dianne) of Black Diamond, Wash., and Karen Meuret of Issaquah, Wash.; grandchildren, Jennifer Opheim (Mike), Ryan Meuret, Adam Meuret, Brandon Whitworth (Laura), Britton Whitworth (Ashleigh) and Heather Whitworth; three great-grandchildren, Scott Opheim, Ava and Brynn Whitworth; as well as many nieces and nephews.
He and Loma were close to celebrating 68 years together and were inseparable. Dad set an exemplary example as a Christian, husband and father. He cherished his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and extended family. Ken will be dearly missed, but we have comfort knowing he has gone home and will be waiting for each of us to join him someday. His smile, compassion and love is a memory many have shared and carry with them.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, July 23, 2016, at 1:00 p.m., at Harrison Square Presbyterian Church, 1227 Harrison Avenue, Centralia, Wash. He will be interned at a later date at Tahoma National Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, family has requested that donations may be made to Puget Sound Honor Flight or American Cancer Society.
Arrangements by Newell-Hoerling’s Mortuary. You may sign the guest book, share condolences and memories http://www.newellhoerlings.com.
