Of Petaluma. Passed away June 29, 2012 and was taken from us far too soon after a brief illness. Ken was born in Lima, OH on April 25, 1946 to Howard and Betty Beade. They moved to Colorado Springs, CO before settling in Novato in the mid 1950's. Ken graduated from Novato High School in 1964, then studied briefly at College of Marin before entering the Air Force and serving in Vietnam. Prior to his departure to Vietnam he was stationed at Fairchild AFB in Spokane, WA, where he met his future wife Cindy Hanson. They were married on January 28, 1967 and enjoyed 41 years of marriage before Cindy's passing in 2008. Ken was honorably discharged from the Air Force and soon after, they made Novato their home from 1969 until proudly purchasing a home in Petaluma in 2004. Ken worked for Pacific Bell for 30 years before retiring, then for Verizon Wireless for the last 11 years. He was an avid sports fan and over the years enjoyed playing golf and basketball on Thursday nights. Above all, Ken had a huge heart and loved his family and friends.
Ken is survived by his daughters Melissa (Dustin) Slack, Jennifer (Rick) Cox, his son Scott Beade; brother Jon (Joan) Beade; mother-in-law Phyllis Hanson; sister-in-law Delores Hanson; grandchildren Ashley and Ryan Slack, Shane and Luke Cox; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his wife Cindy as well as his parents Howard and Betty Beade.
A memorial service celebrating his life will be Saturday, July 28, 2012 at Elim Lutheran Church, Petaluma, with a reception to follow.
As Ken was a huge supporter of his grandchildren, in lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the
of Northern California–Juvenile Arthritis, Casa Grande High School Football, Casa Grande Drama and/or Casa Grande Boosters or your local favorite charity.
Published in Petaluma Argus-Courier from July 12 to August 11, 2012
