Kenneth L. Hulse Sr.

1946 - 2018

Kenneth L. Hulse Sr.

Louisville - 71, joined our Heavenly Father on August 30, 2018, peacefully and surrounded by his family. Ken was born on December 19, 1946 in Henderson, Kentucky. In his early childhood, Ken moved to Louisvillewhere he would later meet and marry his high school sweetheart, Shirley Ann Ward. The couple attended Ahrens Trade School and would marry on September 18, 1965.

Five months later, Ken was drafted to serve in the Vietnam War, United States Army branch.Ken volunteered to serve in the 101st Airborne, fighting in combat missions from Feb. 1966 to Dec. 1967. Ken served with great valor, suffering combat injuries, saving fellow troops, and earning numerous medals for his service.

Ken's favorite role in life was as a family man to his wife of 52 years, as a father to his three children, and as a grandfather to his four grandchildren. A humble man, Ken never bragged about his military service or his achievements, but he would proudly share the accomplishments of his children and grandchildren with all.

Enjoying a successful career, Ken retired in 2017 after 38 years with Deka Battery / East Penn Manufacturing. Affectionally known as the "battery man," he was a mentor to his colleagues throughout his decades of experience.

Ken enjoyed traveling, fishing, classic cars and Harley Davidsons, country music, and cracking silly jokes with friends and family. Ken appreciated the simple things in life, but he left a lasting impression on everyone he met.

Ken and Shirley were charter members of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church. Ken was also a KY Colonel and an active member of the VFW and the American Legion.

Ken is survived by his wife, Shirley (Ward) Hulse; his children, Kenneth Hulse, Jr. (Amy Durbin), Leslie Raeber Eberle (Jae Eberle), and Jennifer Hulse Russo (Edward Russo); his grandchildren, Lauren Raeber, Alex Hulse, Leah Raeber and Nathan Raeber; and his siblings, Larry Hulse and Vicky (Fowler) Casarez. He was preceded in death by his parents, Jesse Hulse and Mary Ellen (Duncan) Hulse, and his mother-in-law, Anna Belle Rice.

Visitation will be held at Ratterman Funeral Home, 7336 Southside Drive, from 2-8 pm on Monday, with a prayer service at 7 pm. A funeral mass will be held at 10 am on Tuesday at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church, followed by entombment at Resthaven.In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Wounded Warriors Project.