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Kenneth Crist Obituary
Kenneth Jon Crist, 46, of Ocala was called home to be with the Lord on April 18, 2010. He was at home surrounded by his family and friends. He was born on February 4, 1964 in Joliet, Illinois. He graduated from the University of lllinois, Champaign-Urbana in 1987. After working for the Sarasota school district for 4 years, he moved to Ocala in 1992 and has been a resident since. He has been employed with the Marion County School System, coached basketball, football, taught at North Marion High School where he was named Teacher of the Year in 1999. Most recently he was working as a Behavior Specialist with the Behavior Support Team for the Exceptional Student Education Department. Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 17 years Terry, daughter Kelly, father Milton (Rehta) brothers Jeff (Debby), Brad, sister Teresa (Mark). Nephews Jason (Deana) Kyle, Joshua, niece Tara, great niece Mya, father-in law George, mother in law Nancy, and sister in law Debbie. Ken was preceded in death by his mother Gail. Ken loved the outdoors- hiking, kayaking, camping, and the beach. He was a sports enthusiast and volunteered annually for the Special Olympics. There will be a memorial service on May 4, 2010 at 4:30 at MTI (old Forest High School) 1614 SE Ft. King St. Ocala. Pastor Paul House from Aurora Christian Academy in Aurora, Illinois will be officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Marion County Special Olympics.
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Memories and Condolences
for Kenneth Crist
Terry Crist
April 18, 2025
The world has changed so much, but what hasn't changed is missing you.
Terry
April 18, 2024
Was with our beautiful daughter today and remembering so many things. The jokes you played on everyone, especially Kelly. Putting the easter eggs next to the dog poop, or too high in a tree. You left so many memories, but you also left a hole in our hearts. Love you, miss you Terry
Terry
April 19, 2023
Another year missing you, and remembering what a loss it was and still is in this world.
Terry Crist
April 18, 2022
Today was like any other day, spent missing you. Kelly will be 25 tomorrow, can you believe it? What a void you left in so many lives. Wish we were together, celebrating Kelly's day. Love you.
Terry Crist
April 18, 2021
I miss you as much today as I did 11 years ago. You took more than just a piece of my heart with you when you died. You were the best part of me. I thank God you are where you are supposed to be even though you are not here with Kelly and I. She has your big heart Kenny. I see so much of you in her, you would be proud. I miss you and will love you forever.
Terry Crist
June 25, 2020
It has been over 10 years since we lost this wonderful man, and the pain is still there. Kelly is alot like Ken. She has a heart as big as Ken's, and is there for anyone who needs her. I know the school's miss Ken, but I'm sure the parents and kids miss him just as much. Ken was exactly as you knew him. He really was that nice, kind, and generous. Most of all he did not realize the way he lived his life, would make such an impact on us all.I was blessed to have known him, as my friend, my husband, and Kelly's dad. And what a dad he was. The void that was left April 18, 2010, will always be there. Thank all of your kind words, prayers, and friendship you have shown Kelly and I since he left. We've never forgotten.
May 6, 2010
Terry and Kelly
We wish we could find the words to ease the loss of your husband and father and hope the love of your friends and family gives you comfort. We didn't know Kenny well but can see that he was an exceptional man. We wish we could be there to support you. Our thoughts are with you both.
Lonnie and Kristi
Pam Snyder
May 4, 2010
I worked at ESE and was also impacted by Ken's life. He was always happy and never said a bad thing about anyone. He made our meetings fun and memorable. He was the kind of person you wanted to be around and would remember fondly. His positive effect on so many people's lives will long be remembered. I am very saddened by his loss but know that God needs him for a purpose. You are in my prayers.
Leslie Dowdy
May 4, 2010
Terry,
You and Kelly are in our thoughts and prayers. Love, The Dowdys
Bonnie Rodrigues
May 4, 2010
Mr. Crist answered my frantic call for help, when I was told that I would be assigned to a self-contained classroom, and I hadn't any previous training. He immmediately contacted, comforted, reassured me, and enrolled me into the next TEACH class. When I arrived, for training, I was welcomed like an old friend, even though he only had known my name. The clas was amazing!!! He gave me confidence in myself as well as the support that we would be getting! I will Sorely miss Ken!
My heart goes out to his family, there are no words for the loss they must be feeling. May God Bless Them Always With Love,
Bonnie E. Rodrigues
Mary Smith
May 3, 2010
Terry and Kelly,
I don't think I ever had the priveledge of meeting you. But I had the priveledge of working with Ken for several years here in ESE. He was always a fun and funny guy. Never a dull moment and He will be missed greatly. No matter how rough the day he brought a smile to your face. And he always talked proudly and lovingly of both of you. You are in my prayers. And if you ever need someone, ESE is here for you!
Deborah Hart
May 1, 2010
Ken was one of those magically gifted and grounded people who could set you at ease no matter who you were or how old you were. I am honored to have known him in the school system and his work which will live on with so many for the compassion and wisdom he shared.
Wishing his family, and family of friends as well as the children peacefulness in his loss.
April 30, 2010
i worked with Crist at North marion, until he went to work at the school board, He was such a lovable and caring person. He was real special to me. I was floored when I got the news just last nite (3/29). I retired in 03,
and that's about how long it;s been since I last saw him. But it won't erase the fomd memories I have and will always have of him. I can remember him always talking about his lovely spouse and a daughter at that time.
GOD BLESS AND KEEP YOU ALWAYS.You are in my prayers. Love, Barbara Woodard
1165 Ne 1st ave. Williston, fl 32696
Shana Mitchell
April 29, 2010
My thoughts and prayers are with the family at this time. I met Ken at the old Reddick Collier School and he assisted me with some educational resources for my son. He was truly a well loved person and he will be missed.
Brian Malone
April 29, 2010
Terry and Kelly Dallas, We are so sorry for your loss. Kenny was nothing but a bright and positive soul which will live forever thru you both. My son thought he was the funnest and neatest guy hanging around him and playing basketball in your driveway. We will never forget him.
Love, Brian and Michael Malone
Kathryn Kennison
April 29, 2010
Sorry to hear about Ken. He touched so many lives, kids as well as adults. We will miss him.
KKennison(Ocala)
Kathy Wilcox
April 29, 2010
The Wilcox Family would like to express our deepest sympathy for your loss. Ken was the most caring and dedicated person I have ever met. He was so instrumental in helping my grandson, Noah Wilcox, and for that we will be ever grateful. A man to be proud of and respect, a man of many talents! May God Bless you and ease your sorrow in time. He will be sadly missed by so many. We were blessed to have him in our lives. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
The Wilcox Family,
Phil, Kathy, Noah and Kristine
Frank & Susan Ostanik & family
April 28, 2010
Terry and family,
We are so very sorry to hear about Ken.
He was such a wonderful person and always so nice to be around. So many memories from N.M.H.S. May God bless each of you with Much Love, Comfort & Peace.
Karen and Jim Stein
April 28, 2010
Terry you are in my prayers. Wish I would be here for the memorial but we are going to be out of town. So sad about Ken but we know he is in a wonderful place.
April 28, 2010
Terry , now is the time when you must lean a little harder on God,trust him and he will direct your path. Don't be afraid , he knows your coming, he's waiting with open arms.... Be strong, I'm praying for you. Love you and Kelly
Angela Davis-Madison Street
Dawn Owens
April 28, 2010
My deepest sympathies and prayers go to the Crist family. Many of us that knew Ken in the school setting, will miss him terribly. The student's lives that he touched will forever be remembered. The methods he taught, will continue through us.
God Bless!
Laurie Tudeen
April 28, 2010
Terry and Kelly,
Ken always willingly helped me in my classroom and I am a better teacher because of him. I had so much respect for his advice and knowledge. I am grateful to have had him in my life as a mentor. He will be missed by all. My prayers and thoughts are with you always.
Amy Gardner
April 28, 2010
Ken was such a wonderful inspiration to anyone he met. I will always remember him. I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers go out to your family.
richard valva
April 27, 2010
he was the coolest teacher i ever had and i going to miss him
doreen howell
April 27, 2010
Terry and Kelly,
We are so very sorry to hear about Kenny. He will be missed. We will never forget his smile and how he was always so helpful and friendly. Our Hearts go out to you!
Todd and Doreen Howell
Simone' Winkler
April 27, 2010
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
Kay McCullough
April 27, 2010
My deepest condolences to the Crist family. Mr. Crist was a kind and dedicated teacher and had helped us at Reddick-Collier Elementary School.
April 27, 2010
My deepest sympathy to the Crist family. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Adell E. Fleming,Ocala,FL
Glendell Wright
April 27, 2010
To the family of Ken, I had the pleasure of meeting Ken a few years ago,at Lake Weir High school, in the ESE dept.He was such a friendly person to be around, all the students loved to have him around,he was great at helping out in any way that he could, he will be greatly missed by all that knew him.You will be in my prayers.
Skinner
April 27, 2010
How truly sorry I am to hear of your loss. I didnt know Ken personally but I have experienced this type of pain that death brings. I've found comfort in knowing that God is near to those broken at heart and crushed in spirit. (Psalm 34:18) Perhaps this sentiment can comfort you as well.
Tracy Belcher
April 27, 2010
Ken was truly a gift to those who knew him... I will miss his smiling face around the office, running into him at Publix, and his always entertaining behavior trainings. We may have lost a friend, but we have gained an angel.
Jewell Hosaflook
April 27, 2010
Terry, Kelly and family,
Danny and I were saddened to hear of Ken's death but know that the
Lord has a very special place for him. Ken was a special guy and both
our children will always remember him as "Fan Man" May God give you the strength to go on and know that we will see him again one day.
Dan and Jewell Hosaflook
Neil and Diane (Kunold) Mullins Family
April 26, 2010
Our deepest sympathies and prayers to the entire Crist family.
Brigette Reece (Bagg)
April 25, 2010
Jeff- I'm so sorry to see that Ken passed away. I remember him from the good ol' days when he played hockey with my brother, Charlie. He was a kind hearted guy even when playing that rough game! It sounds like he continued to be a wonderful man throughout his too short adult life. I hope that you and your family are able to find peace in your many good memories of Ken. I wish you well and will keep you in my prayers.
John Phillips
April 24, 2010
Thinking of and praying for the Crist family.
Paul Zabel
April 24, 2010
My family and I are very sad to hear of this tragic news. Last year, I lost my brother Ken...and now the Crist family has lost their Ken. I am five years younger than Ken, so I was always the kid next door. However, he always tried to include me with him and his friends when they were playing football or something fun. The "big kids" would wonder why I was included and Ken would always vouch for me. I will always remember how nice he was to me. Of course, him and his friends razzed me occasionally, but that just made me feel like part of their group:) I used to watch him practice basketball in his driveway. As many people close to him already know, he was a big fan of Julius Erving; otherwise known as Dr. J. From time to time, he would tell me he was "Dr. K" and it always made me smile cuz I knew what he meant by it. I knew he was special and I can honestly say I feel priveleged to know several of the Crist family members. I lived next door to them for about ten years and I will always cherish those memories. It may sound korny, but sometimes you just know when you are in the presence of greatness...and that was Kenny Crist to me. I have other memories of other Crist family members, but Ken was my hero. I hope he has an impact in heaven as he did on earth. For the second time in as many years, I have to say...Goodbye Ken - Paul Christian Zabel
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