Kenneth Lightner

In Loving Memory

Kenneth Ray Lightner, Sr. 3/30/1941 - 8/24/2012

Ken Lightner, Sr., 71, passed away at the VA Hospital in Denver, Colorado on August 24th, 2012. Ken was a walking miracle after being diagnosed with congestive heart failure almost 12 years ago and only had 20% of his heart functioning. The Lord blessed his family and friends with an extra 11 years than what the doctors predicted. At the end he was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma cancer which ultimately is what took his life. He was chair bound for most of the last 5 years of his life and is now free of pain and is dancing at the feet of Jesus. Ken was born March 30, 1941, in Hastings, Nebraska, to Edward Lightner and Ruby Lightner (Rutt). He graduated from Hastings High School in 1958. He joined the Navy and was stationed in San Diego, California where he met his beautiful wife, Lynne Joy (daughter of Leslie and Bernice Knapp). Before taking over his father's auction business in 1970 he held a variety of jobs such as a fireman and an insurance agent, sometimes more than one at a time, anything to provide for his family. He moved from Hastings, Nebraska to Phoenix, Arizona in 1992 to open up a liquidation store and auction house. In 2006 he "retired" and moved to Penrose, Colorado but didn't care for retirement and opened another liquidation store; Ken's Trading Post, which is still operating today, ran by his son, Ken Lightner Jr. He fell in with Colorado, the people, and his little piece of a mountain that his wife and him own in Penrose, that he called "God's Country". Ken is survived by his wife of 52 years, Lynne Joy, and their four children; Ken Lightner Jr. of Penrose, Colorado; Keven (Erin) Lightner of Akron, Ohio; Kork (Sheila) Lightner of Hastings, Nebraska; and Lynne (Gary) Shook of Penrose, Colorado. He is also survived by his father, Ed Lightner and sister, Vickie Lightner, of Hastings, Nebraska; Carolea (Paul) Ringenberg of Tampa, Florida. Additionally he is survived by his 8 grandchildren: Angelica, KendraLynne, Kyla, and Zane Shook of Penrose, Colorado; Alexis and Kade Lightner of Akron, Ohio; and Tyrece and Shateyah Lightner of Hastings, Nebraska. Ken's mother, Ruby Lightner, passed 4 years ago on June 6, 2008. He is now rejoicing with his mother in Heaven, worshipping our Lord. Ken shared his love of animals with his wife, Lynne Joy. They have rescued dogs over the years and shared a house with many dogs. He loved getting his beef jerky wholesale deals to share with his dogs. He loved to share the message about his Lord Jesus Christ to those that shopped at his store. He even ministered to the nurses and aids during his last two weeks in the hospital. Ken was a loving and generous man that will be missed by many. We take comfort in knowing we will see him again. Ken is to be cremated, and arrangements are under the direction of Charles Anthony Funeral Home, 225 East Main St., Florence, Colorado 81226, 719-784-0832. A memorial service will be held in Ken's home town of Hastings, Nebraska. On line condolences at charlesanthonyfh.com