Colonel Kenneth Earl Rosebush (Ret, Usaf)

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University of Kansas

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Kenneth Rosebush Obituary

Aug 25, 1918 - May 14, 2006 Kenneth Earl Rosebush died on May 14, 2006 in Colorado Springs. Ken was born August 25, 1918 in Iola, KS, the son of Earl A. and Mary C. Rosebush and younger brother to Robert Rosebush (all whom preceded him in death). He is survived by his wife, Ethel (Pearson) Rosebush, and sons Kenneth Jr. (wife Janice), Michael (wife Gwenda), Russell (wife Kay), and grandchildren Lisa, Scott, Kyle, Clint, Krista and Shannon. Ken met Ethel at the University of Kansas; they were married in 1949, and enjoyed 56 years together. Ken grew up in the Kansas towns of Iola, Coffeyville, and Wichita - as well as Joplin, MO. He graduated from the University of Kansas in 1939 with a degree in Petroleum Engineering, then worked two years for Gulf Oil Company. When America entered WWII, Ken immediately joined the U.S. Air Force as an officer and pilot. He courageously served his country during two combat tours in the Southwest Pacific, flying 144 deadly fighter-bomber combat missions as a Squadron Commander from 1942-1945. He meteorically rose through the ranks to colonel, and had a brilliant 28 year Air Force career which involved being the first Air Force ROTC commander of the University of Kansas, plus wing commander of both Richards-Gebaur and Selfridge Air Force bases. He retired in 1970, after earning two Distinguished Flying Crosses, and four Air Medals. Ken then continued his second career as a ranch, cattle, and horse owner, living in Colorado Springs since 1968. Ken Rosebush lived a full life, and lived it the way he wanted: heroic combat pilot in WWII; highly decorated Air Force commander; riding the range on his favorite horse; traveling on trips with his wife; watching football with his sons; cooking pancakes with his grandkids; hosting the annual family Christmas party. Ken Rosebush was a "man's man" - and he left behind a legacy that will always be remembered. Services will be held on May 20 at Swan-Law Cascade Chapel, 501 N. Cascade Ave., Colorado Springs. Visitation will be held at 9:30 a.m. on May 20, memorial service to follow at 11:00 a.m. Burial will be in Evergreen Cemetery, Colorado Springs. Donations in lieu of flowers can be made to the Air Force Aid Society, 241 18th St. South, Suite 202, Arlington, VA 22202.

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Published by The Gazette from May 18 to May 20, 2006.

Memories and Condolences
for Kenneth Rosebush

6 Entries

Marta Nystrom

May 22, 2006

Uncle Ken was indeed a "man's man" but he was also a sweet, gentle person. I have fond memories of chasing down strays on the ranch in Colorado and really roughing it in the early ranch house.

Kirk Cerise

May 22, 2006

My older brother (Mark) & I went to school with Ken's son Russ. As kids we played sports together and had the good fortune not to get into too much trouble from our misdeeds like pelting cars with snowballs & waterballoons as well as our annual midnight golfball raids on the Broadmoor hotel golf course water hazards. Those were the days! As a kid, I didn't know Ken well, but after reading Ken's obituary I was really impressed by his service record in the Pacific theater during WWII, the fact that he was a Petroleum engineer from KU, & the fact that he (and Ethel) raised 3 boys that all graduated from the USAF Academy. Ken obviously lived a full life -- and I'd guess that's about all a fellow can hope to do while here on earth. Best wishes to the Rosebush Family.

Jan (Sinclair) Wilkins

May 19, 2006

My deepest sympathy to all of you. I know these past few months have been challenging, to say the least. You are in my prayers. God bless!

Scott Blessing

May 19, 2006

Russ Rosebush has been a life-long friend (one of the best)to me. Growing up with him, I knew his dad very well and spent a lot of time with him (and his wife) in his home and on his ranch in Colorado. Col. Rosebush was very influential in my life (as I went to the Air Force Academy and the University of Kansas) and showed me the model for what a good husband and a dedicated father should look like. I always looked up to him and had the deepest respect and love for the kind of man he was. No matter how many years have passed, I never lost that feeling for him (or his family). I will miss him greatly.

Bruce & Marcella Sinclair

May 18, 2006

Out deepest sympathy to the Rosebush families.

Bruce & Marcella Sinclair

John H. Scrivner

May 18, 2006

Col. Rosebush was my first Air Force Commander at Kansas Univ. I remember him fondly as well as his advice and help. My sincerest sympathy.

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