Search by Name
Menu
Search by Name
Kevin T. Outen
SHREWSBURY
Kevin Thomas Outen, 24, spent the last year residing in Florida, and passed away on Sunday, January 10, 2016. He was born in Columbia, Md.
Kevin was an amazing person with the biggest heart and most amazing smile. He enjoyed fishing, playing baseball, and being with his friends and family. All of the wonderful blessings that he had, talent, friendships, positive outlook on life, and, most importantly, family, were sidelined by a wrong decision to do drugs. Kevin battled with a heroin addiction for many years. In the end his addiction ended his life much too soon. He successfully completed drug rehab several times, but the craving that comes from true addiction was more than he could overcome. If there is someone in your life battling addiction reach out to them. So many lives are lost every day. The stigma of embarrassment and denial must be overcome.
To all children, this is a simple reminder that there are people who love you, with everything they have and no matter what you do. Don't be too afraid or ashamed to ask for help. To all parents, pay attention to your children and the world that revolves around them. Even when the surface is calm, the water may be turbulent just beneath. Kevin's struggle has ended. He is finally at peace.
Survivors include his loving parents, Lawrence and Michelle Outen; sisters, Constance and husband, Randy Childress, Stacie Madison, and Grace Outen; and his beloved nieces and nephew, Cassidy (goddaughter), Lily, Mckenna, Alexis, Miley, Kira, and Dylan. Kevin is also survived by numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.
A memorial gathering will be held from 2 to 6 p.m. on Thursday, January 21, at the J.J. Hartenstein Mortuary, Inc., 24 N. Second St., New Freedom.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to a charity of your choice. Reach out and help someone from making the same mistake.
JJHM.COM
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
To the Oaten Family and all the hearts Kevin touched! A very humble thank you for such an honest empowering, courageous and admirable obituary by addressing the very issue that took his life and haunts many others' livesa very horrible disease. May you find strength and peace in the courage you are giving others. God bless you!
because no family should face the journey alone.
We Guiding Hearts with Hope believebelieve that every human life is special, precious and worthy of love, compassion, and saving. Sending prayers and warm hugs your way!
http://www.guidingheartswithhope.org
[email protected]
717-968-3083
Martha King
January 23, 2016
I too, am a mother of a son & daughter addicted to needles. I know a lot of people have said this, but I, also applaud your courage. I pray that in his death, perhaps Kevin can reach out, and prevent one death, he would not die in vain. The constant heartache & worry, of "the phone call", a part of parenthood none of us deserve. I am deeply sorry for your loss, and your family will be in my prayers. Another angel called home.
Sue Kidd
January 22, 2016
So sorry for your loss. Condolences and Continued prayers for your family
Shirlean Santos
January 22, 2016
I'm so sorry for your loss. I too have 2 son's who have fallen off track. Heroin is a nasty culprit that seems to have affected many families. Thank you for sharing your story. You never know how many people it can help.
January 22, 2016
Words can't describe how I feel to hear about my nephew Kevin.It felt like it took a piece of my heart away.God only takes the best.You were the best of the best young man you would ever want to know.Kevin take your wings and fly high.You will be missed dearly but in my heart forever.
Aunt Carol
January 21, 2016
What a beautiful and sad obit, and tribute. I never knew Kevin either, but I'm another mom who lost a son to a force we can't imagine. I praise you for 'shouting out' and sharing your story. It's a battle on both sides, but it can't be won with silence, shame or blame. May God hold you close as you make your way through this.
January 21, 2016
Lawrence and Michelle, Greif can be so hard,but our special memories help us cope .Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family today and always .
DAVE & Brenda
January 21, 2016
My heart goes out to your family. I applaud your bravery in how you wrote your child's obituary. I pray that it saves someone else's family from the heartache you have and are enduring. God bless you and your family.
Joanne Myers
January 21, 2016
Our deepest sympathy to your family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
God Bless
Pamela Richard
January 21, 2016
May God bless n find your family some peace...very sorry for your loss...my thoughts and prayers for you all
Cheryl Rogers
January 21, 2016
Hi Michelle, I am Kathy Shelton's sister Patricia , I am heartbroken for you .I am going through the same as my daughter is addicted to heroin and struggling with her and everyday I am afraid of finding her dead.She lives with me and I had to get custody of her 2 year old , my grandbaby..I can Imagine how you are hurting and I hurt with you.. I am sorry this has happened , drug addiction is a bad disease.God bless You and your family , again I'm sorry...Patricia..
patricia shorb
January 21, 2016
To Grace and your family, I am so sorry for the loss of your brother. Our prayers are with you all at this time.
betty maloney
January 21, 2016
I can only say I am sorry for the loss, I have not yet experienced this, but the way the world is going, Iam afraid one of my step daughters will be the same place your son has gone. The only thing is now he is out of pain and control of the world that he got lost in. God bless you for everything you have done. For all parents who are struggling with this. Hugs and prayers to all
betty t
January 21, 2016
My deepest condolences. Prayers for your whole family to make it through this rough time.
Mellissa H
January 21, 2016
I didn't know Kevin but I lost my son in July the same way. He was 23 also, from Spring Grove. I'm very sorry!!!
Donna Miller
January 21, 2016
My thoughts and prayers are with Kevin's family and friends. May he rest in peace!
Norma O'Neill
January 21, 2016
Because of the wonderful obituary written for him, even those of us who never met him will hold him and his wonderful family in our hearts forever. Additionally, you have opened the hearts and minds of many who simply do not understand the nature of addiction. I am sorry for your loss and pray for the day we know better how to help people like Kevin. Peace be with you.
January 21, 2016
Lost my 32 year old to heroin 2 years ago. He left a 13 year old son. Am praying for your family, for strength. Sue frymyer & family of Brandon Dawson.
susan frymyer
January 21, 2016
Bonnie
January 21, 2016
Dear Bubby and Michelle,
I want to say first you have my deepest condolences. I can not imagine what you all are going through, and I wouldn't want to imagine it. Kevin was taken away too soon from us, but his loss will not be forgotten. As we remember his passing, may he watch over us to the end of our days as a guardian angel, for I know now he is smiling down upon us. RIP Kevin and SYOTOS.
Tyler Simmons
January 21, 2016
Dear Outen Family. I read this and cried. I hope you will find peace and healing. As the mother of a beloved heroin addict and his beautiful girlfriend, this broke my heart. Thank you for being brave and sharing this. Your words were beautiful and expressed your love for your own beloved son and your belief that he could beat this. I'm sorry about the years of pain that the addiction inflicted on your family. Remember the beautiful young man with that big smile and know that he is finally at peace.
Debi V
January 21, 2016
Words can't describe how sorry I am.Prayers and fond memories are what we have to remember. And Kevin will always be remembered by many, especially that glowing smile that he always had.
Kaitlyn Simmons
January 21, 2016
Thoughts and prayers for your family
Don Picker
January 21, 2016
Thank you for telling us all this very sad story about a fine young man that got caught in a bad place. God bless you
January 21, 2016
We are so sorry for your loss, Kevin will never be forgotten. Sending prayers of strength to this incredible family.
Paul & Wendy Simmons
January 21, 2016
I too have a son that's a heroine addict. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Sandi Barber
January 21, 2016
May God send His healing touch to your family. We lost our cousin to Heroin. Thank you for sharing you tragic loss. Praying that Kevin's story helps someone. Lord Bless!
Teresa
January 21, 2016
My deepest Sympathies to the family of Kevin Outen. My he rest in peace. Thank you to his Parents for sharing about his struggles and helping to dissipate the Stigma surrounding Addiction. May you find comfort and peace .
R Jarrett
January 20, 2016
We had to say goodbye to soon, but we know Heaven has gained a guardian angel. To have such a great person look over his family is a true blessing in disguise. He will never be forgotten ❤
Raquel Hood
January 20, 2016
I never knew Kevin but I know the ugliness of the demon that controlled him because it controlled my son's life for years!!! My heart and prayers go out to all of his family!!! If anyone needs to talk please don't hesitate to contact me... Just someone reaching out who has been there!
January 20, 2016
If I may say. What a beautiful and powerful obituary was written for Kevin. Knowing and loving the family as I have come to know. Seeing that bright beautiful smile Kevin had for myself. So much love I have witnessed in this family. My heart sincerely breaks for everyone. What a sincere loss we have had in loosing Kevin. I have to believe he has not died in vane. His loss has to help another to wake up. Learn Get back on track. He was trying so hard. Help Kevin accomplish his goal. To know Kevin. Even for a short time. Was to know how much he adored, worshipped and loved his mom and dad especially. They were the best. In his passing the last thing he would want anyone to forget. Just how special their love and support meant to him Please help someone rise above their addiction , in Kevin's honor and name , to show what he had hoped and tried to show. But in the end he just got to tired to preserver, despite his hearts desire!
Mary Foster
January 20, 2016
God Bless you all, and thank you for sharing your story. We too have a addict fighting to stay clean every day and hearing of one more is heartbreaking. May Kevin rest in peace.
Debbie Kilburn
January 20, 2016
My heart hurts for you.I live it everyday...my daughter is in recovery...be at peace, Kevin's battle is over.
♡♡♡ Bonnie
January 20, 2016
Kevin had a beautiful smile. I pray you feel him with you as your battle to live without him is waged. He will be there by your side, as always.
Amanda
January 20, 2016
My deepest sympathy to your family. I did read this and had a family member involved in bad drugs. She is ok for now but I also have young grandchildren I pray they will never know the pain of drugs. I know one of the mothers has use and the 9 year old know it too. We have struggled as grand parents as well as our son. May God bless your family and you find peace.
January 20, 2016
I just wanted to say that it takes a lot of courage to include what you did in your son's obituary. I wish more people did stuff like that. There is so much help out there, they just have to know it's there, and unfortunately most don't or they're too scared other's will find out about their treatment and that makes it "real", they can't deny it anymore and they're scared others will judge them. I'm sorry for rambling.
I'm so very sorry for your loss and want to tell you you're amazing for trying to help others.
January 20, 2016
It can be so hard to face the first year without your loved one, but the love of family and friends can carry you through.
January 20, 2016
I am so sorry about Kevin's addiction and death due to drugs. My name is wendy and I am the loving mother of a wonderful son who
Was also a heroin addictRyan died in 2011 along with a part of me and his siblings. We do what we can to help
Others and I can tell you will do
The same. XO
Wendy Monaghan
January 20, 2016
I did not know your son, but i am so sorry for your loss. I lost my Daughter 7 months ago at 27 to an OD. Stay strong and Much love to you all. Dennis
Dennis Sheaf
January 20, 2016
Dear Outen Family - Please accept my condolences. I am sorry to read about the loss of your son. I do not know you or your son. However I read the obituary you wrote. Your words and message were poignant. You spoke such truth. I am sorry that your family must face this devastating loss but I want you to know that I sat my teenage sons down and read this out loud to them. Your message will save lives. I am sorry that your son lost his battle to addiction. My heart breaks for you all. I thank you and commend you for having the strength and fortitude to open your lives to thousands of strangers in order to help others before they find themselves experiencing a similar fate. God Bless.
Colleen
January 20, 2016
I did not know Kevin nor do I know his family but I wanted to share my heartfelt condolences to you. From a grandmother with a granddaughter struggling with addiction. My heart goes out to you all and I'm so very sorry for the sad loss of your loved one.
January 20, 2016
Bubby Michelle and family,
Im so sorry to hear about Kevin. May God wrap his arms around you during this difficult time. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you all.Sending hugs to all. I hope that these young children that are reading Kevins obituary will think twice or wake up and realize please reach out and get help.
Wanda Franklin
January 20, 2016
My sincerest sympathy to you and your family.I don't know you or your family but I am so sorry for your loss.
Beverly Cramer
January 20, 2016
I have not seen Kevin for a few years but remember him as a friend to my son. He was a very polite young man with a beautiful smile.
I know my son and other friends will miss him greatly. May fond memories bring you peace at this time.
Teresa R
January 20, 2016
Larry, I have no idea what to say here... but know that your family is in our thoughts and prayers. Remember reasons to smile and those that gave you those reasons.
God bless you brother.
Steve & Tami Shank
January 20, 2016
Thank you so much for such an honest obituary. It was extremely empowering, courageous and admirable of you to address the very issue that took his life and haunts many others' lives. May you find strength in the courage you are giving others. I did not know Kevin but I believe I know many people who knew him and were touched by his presence. Bless your family in this time of mourning!
Lauren Bennett
January 20, 2016
Our deepest and heartfelt sympathy for the loss of your beautiful son.
Barbara & Charles Autry
January 20, 2016
I was deeply saddened to hear of the loss of your Son. My deepest condolences to you and your family.
Love and Prayers
Neva Albaugh
January 20, 2016
Sorry for loss. Praying for you.
January 20, 2016
Michelle, thank you for sharing Kevin's story.
Kevin was such a handsome young man and has a beautiful smile like his Mom. I'm so sorry. I'll will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.
Cyndy Graham-Sampson
January 20, 2016
Your courage, honesty and boldness will uplift hearts and hopefully lives today. I honor you and will pray for your comfort and healing. I am older than your son, perhaps your contemporary. I have many friends who have struggled with addiction themselves or that of their children. What you have done in honoring Kevin's life and memory is outstanding.
Donna Mitchell
January 20, 2016
Dear Outen Family, I'm so very sorry for your loss...my heart is breaking for you. I have never met Kevin or anyone in your family. I felt the need to reach out to you and let you know that I was very touched by the words that were written in Kevin's obituary...It was beautifully written. I have a 12 yr old son and as a mother, I worry about what his future holds. I will be sharing your words with my son. Life is so precious. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. May you find comfort and peace in the memories you hold close to your heart.
Melissa F
January 20, 2016
My sincerest condolences to the family. I met Kevin in rehab in October of 2014, he was a delightful person full of life and light. He always made us laugh and helped to make the time there a little more bearable. Another victim of this terrible disease, so sad. He will be missed.
Aura Wilkinson
January 20, 2016
We don't know each other but in the same breath we do. I also lost my son to addiction complicated with type 1 diabetes. I agree that it was powerful for you to list the true meaning of his passing. People need to be educated about the disease of addiction. I wish I could say it gets easier but it doesn't. Please know that he is at peace & part of you are also - take one day at a time.
Debra
January 20, 2016
My heart is broken for you & your family Michelle. Prayers for healing & much needed awareness.
Heather Aughenbaugh
January 20, 2016
Perhaps they are not the stars, but rather openings in Heaven where the love of our lost ones pours through and shines down upon us to let us know they are happy.
Love to you all.
Ashley Laws
January 20, 2016
Libby Outen
January 20, 2016
Libby Outen Catoe
January 20, 2016
To the Outen family. Firstly, I am so sorry for your loss. I don't know your family and I didn't know Kevin, but I wanted to reach out and say THANK YOU and BRAVO for your courageous decision to be honest about Kevin's demons. Hopefully something good can come out of something so tragic by educating people and eliminating the stigma. Again, I am so sorry for your loss.
Carol Ankrum
January 20, 2016
The news of Kevin's loss is heartbreaking. There are never words to express the sorrow that is felt. Please know that I care. With love Tiffanie
Tiffanie Laws
January 20, 2016
Larry and family,
There are no words I can say to ease your pain. Know that you all are in our thoughts and prayers during this time and that if you need anything please reach out.
Charles Elkins
January 20, 2016
Heaven has another angel far too soon. My heart breaks for you as I have gone through the same tragedy. I hope you can find peace in knowing that he is no longer fighting the demons of addiction.
You and your family will stay in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Kris
Kris Stremmel
January 20, 2016
We are so very sorry for your loss. We love all of you! Everyone will be in our thoughts and prayers in the coming weeks.
Heather Walden
January 20, 2016
I am so sorry for the lose of your dear son. There is a huge hold in your heart with his passing, but it will heal somewhat over time. I am so very proud of his parents to write the true reason for his passing. The stigma surrounding the disease of addiction must be dispelled.
Dorothy Cadden
January 20, 2016
Larry and Michelle,
You are in our thoughts and prayers. May God bring you comfort and peace and may Kevin's spirit live on forever in your hearts.
Dave and Dana Baker
January 20, 2016
Larry and family, I was very saddened to learn that Kevin had passed away. Our warmest condolences to you and your family.
Scott and Kathy Snyder
January 20, 2016
Bubby , Michelle and family ,
I'm so sad to hear about the loss of your son . He is now at peace without any demons to battle . He is resting in the arms of Jesus and has been reunited with family that has gone before him . Nothing any of us say will lessen the heartache that you feel . Please know that you all are in my thoughts and prayers . May you find healing , peace and comfort in the days to come , finding hope in knowing you will see your beloved son again one day .
Love & Prayers,
Connie Simmons Harne
Connie Simmons Harne
January 20, 2016
May Kevin now truly rest in peace and may the cherished memories of your son, bring you comfort during this difficult time.
Cindy Moyer
January 20, 2016
He is now a sweet angel watching over you always...remember to watch for the signs he sends you all...Love you all. Linda Ferguson
January 20, 2016
Larry and family so sorry for your loss. kevin was a great person. Prayers to you and your family.
CHARLOTTE WIRTH
January 20, 2016
So sorry to hear about this. May you rest in Peace Kevin. Praying for your family and friends.
Tonya Classon
January 20, 2016
I'm soo sorry for your pain....thank you for your beautiful message
Liz
January 20, 2016
Michelle, Larry and family. Heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Rick and Diana Myers
January 20, 2016
Showing 1 - 73 of 73 results
Please consider a donation as requested by the family.
Jan
21
2:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Hartenstein Funeral & Cremation Care, Inc.24 N. Second Street, New Freedom, PA 17349
Funeral services provided by:
Hartenstein Funeral & Cremation Care, Inc.24 N. Second Street, New Freedom, PA 17349
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read moreWhat kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read moreWe'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreIf you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read moreLegacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreThey're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read more