Kenneth Oliver Stout, 83, a decorated Army veteran who later rose to prominence in the Alaska Republican Party, died May 1, 2013, at his home in Anchorage. He had been diagnosed a year ago with metastatic melanoma, a form of skin cancer.
A celebration of life will be held at the Anchorage Baptist Temple on Sunday, May 5 at 2:30 p.m., with a visitation 8-10 p.m. Saturday at Evergreen Memorial Chapel, 737 E Street, Anchorage.
Ken was born Oct. 5, 1929 in Wheatland, Missouri and graduated from Springfield (Mo.) Senior High School in 1947. He then began his college career but quit to enlist in the U.S. Army in January 1949. He eventually earned a bachelor's degree in general education in 1964 from the University of Omaha in Omaha, Neb.
In his military career, Ken rose from the rank of Private to Lieutenant Colonel, specializing in military intelligence, with postings around the world that included Greece, Ethiopia and Okinawa, as well as several stateside assignments. He served during both the Korean and Vietnam wars. During his career, he was awarded two Bronze Stars for valor, three Legion of Merits, the Vietnamese Gallantry Cross with Silver Stars and the Vietnamese Medal of Honor in Combat.
Ken first came to Alaska in 1971 when he was assigned to Fort Richardson. Two years later he was reassigned to the Joint Chiefs of Staff in Washington, D.C. In 1974 he retired from the Army, with 27 years of service, so that he could make Alaska his permanent home.
Ken received a master's degree in Public Administration from the University of Alaska Anchorage in 1973. He then worked several years as a professor and business manager at then-Alaska Methodist University (now Alaska Pacific University).
In 1976, Ken began a career as a real estate broker - and began a parallel career in politics, which elevated him to statewide prominence. In 1980 he was elected state chairman of the Republican Party of Alaska, a position he held until 1985. He served on President Reagan's transition team in 1980. In 2004 he was elected to a three-year term on the Anchorage Assembly.
Ken married the former Peggy Anne Benedum of Round Hill, Va. in April 1952. They raised two daughters, DeeDee and Linda. DeeDee is well-known to Alaskans as an Iditarod musher.
Ken had many interests, including private flying, boating, fishing and golf. He had an extensive collection of restored classic autos. His professional organizations included the Anchorage Chamber of Commerce and the Anchorage Rotary. He was an active member of the Anchorage Baptist Temple.
Ken was preceded in death by his mother, Eula Ann Shull, and his father, Oliver Dee Stout, both of Hickory County, Mo.
Ken is survived by his wife Peggy; daughter DeeDee Jonrowe and her husband, Mike, of Willow, Alaska; daughter Linda Schultz and her husband, Keith, of Klamath Falls, Oregon; grandchildren Karla Schultz and Lt. Charles Schultz of Anchorage; and stepsister Sandy Lay of Missouri.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Anchorage Gospel Rescue Mission, P.O. Box 230510, Anchorage AK 99523-0510.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Peg and Family:
We are mourning the loss of such a great man, Ken. He was so talented and we thought very highly of him as we do the whole family. We had just seen both of you at Denny's and did not even know he was sick. We are sadden at not having Ken with us any longer but we believe he is in a better place without pain. We will send a Mass card through the mail.
Sincere condolences,
Tom and Theresa Obermeyer
Thomas, Jr., Jimmy, Margaret, and Matt
Tom and Theresa Obermeyer
May 10, 2013
Peggy,
So sorry to hear of Kenneth's passing. Just wanted to thank you again for how gracious you and Kenneth were to us when we visited in 2004 & 2005. I enjoyed hearing both of you tell stories of adventures you had in your lives. I could have set and listened to Kenneth all day. He was a great guy.
- Robert and Mary Jo (Shull) Taylor
Robert Taylor
May 9, 2013
Peggy: So sorry to hear of Ken's passing. He was a special man and will always be remembered.
Judy Thetford/Ryan
May 9, 2013
Hello Peggy,
We are so sorry to hear of your loss.
Will & Jane Madison
May 7, 2013
Mrs. Stout, DeeDee and Linda,
Dad called last night and told us. I am so sorry. My thoughts and prayers are with you. - Peggy Higgins Bayliss
Peggy Higgins Bayliss
May 7, 2013
HOPI PRAYER of The Soul's Graduation:
Do not stand at my grave and weep
I am not there,
I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond glints on snow.
I am the sunlight
On the ripened grain.
I am the gentle Autumn's rain.
When you awaken in the morning hush,
I am the swift uplifting rush
of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry.
I am not there.
I did not die.
My Spirit is still alive…
Many prayers for strength and peace in your hearts Dee.
Paulette Studybaker
May 5, 2013
On behalf of myself and my reading students at Valle Crucis School in the mountains of North Carolina, I offer our condolences to your family. Our connection is through following DeeDee each year in the Iditarod. May God bless you as you continue to seek Him for comfort during this time.
Karen Holder
May 4, 2013
Peg, DeeDee, Linda and family - you are in our prayers and thoughts. Ken was a valued friend, spiritual mentor and all around good guy. We shared many conversations and his insight and advice were always spot on. We will miss him.
Tim & Sue Brady
May 4, 2013
Peggy and family, you are on my mind and in my prayers.
Debbie Hansen
May 4, 2013
DeeDee, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. May your memories give you comfort.
Cheryl Russo
May 4, 2013
DeeDee,
My heart goes out to you in this difficult time.
Peggy Besecker-Mansfield,OH
May 4, 2013
DeeDee, My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. So sorry for your loss.
Donna Larson
May 3, 2013
My first comment entry did not seem to go in so I'll do this again
May the good Lord comfort the hearts and souls of the family and friends of Kent Stout
I remember Ken Stout for many years
He had a big smile would put out his hand and shake your hand to welcome you to church
He was such a humble and godly man.
Ken will be missed
Clifford Williams
May 3, 2013
Dee Dee (& family)Your dad is watching you, he has not left you, he is just around the corner. He will never leave you.
George Penman
May 3, 2013
To the Ken Stout family and friends
May the good Lord comfort and console your heart and soul during this time of loss
I remember him for many years I would come into the church and his friendly smile would be there and to shake your hand!
Such a humble and godly man
Cliff Williams
May 3, 2013
He was a wonderful man.We will miss him.God bless you all.
Ron and Judy Hills
May 3, 2013
We regret your loss, but applaud a life so well lived.
DeeDee, may God continue to hold you in the palm of His mighty hand.
Jimmie and Faye Hines
Pineville, LA
May 3, 2013
Our prayers are with you in these days of sorrow. May our Lord, the God of all
comfort sustain you.
The Claus family of Ultimathule Lodge
May 3, 2013
Ken was as fine a soldier and friend as anyone could wish for. I was proud to have served with him on Okinawa fro 1963 to 1966. God bless you Ken, Peg and family.
Marc Michael
May 3, 2013
Dee Dee & Linda,
Sorry to hear of the passing of your father.
We share with you this loss.
Tony & Lisa Haugen
Tony Haugen
May 3, 2013
So sorry Dee Dee & family, prayers for your Dad and the Family .
Lena Stewart
May 3, 2013
Farewell Ken and God bless you for your service to your Country, your State of Alaska and your family.
Nelson Johnson.
For the membership of the Army Security Agency, Alumni Association, National Capitol Area
May 3, 2013
A good and accomplished man, husband and father.... and a true American
Sue
May 3, 2013
Ken was a good, kind man. Our prayers are with you, Peg.
Bill and Sandy Allen
May 3, 2013
Though he is gone Dee he will always be with you in spirit. At times you will smile for him when you accomplish a task he taught you. His spirit will walk with you the rest of your life.
Dan Studybaker
May 3, 2013
Peg and family--
You are in our thoughts.
Nat and Jan
May 3, 2013
He was a remarkable man and we thank him for his service to his country. Our prayers go to Dee Dee and all the family.
Ethel Williams
May 3, 2013
Sorry for the loss of your father. He had a full life it seems. I am sure he will be missed.
Michael Craig
May 3, 2013
DeeDee:My deepest sympathy on the loss of your father. I have followed your travels on the Iditarod for several years and would love to meet you eventually. May God give you and your family comfort in your grief. Byra McDougall (Nashville, TN)
May 3, 2013
So sorry for your loss. His life with Christ will last forever.
Tim & Cheryl Failor
May 3, 2013
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