We are deeply saddened to announce, Kenneth (Ken) Clayton Kish, 81, of Jacksonville, FL, passed away peacefully in the presence of his wife Pamela on November 27, 2025.
He was born to parents Albert and Lena Faye Kish on January 11, 1944, in Tampa, FL. Ken was part of the first graduating class (1962) of King High School in Tampa.
Ken is survived by his wife Pam, daughter Krystal, son-in-love Christopher, grandchildren Kendall and Kaden, brother Albert Nelson, sister-in-law Linda, nephews Kenny and Alex, as well as many friends and extended family who will miss him dearly.
Kenneth met his wife Pamela in 1963. They were married on March 6, 1964, in Tampa, FL. Their first and only child Krystal Charlene Kish was born in 1965. Ken's first and only granddaughter Kendall Chay Little was born in 2001 and his first and only grandson Kaden Cole Little was born in 2005. Ken adored his family and spent his life ensuring they were cared for and loved as much as humanly possible.
Ken served proudly in the armed services. He joined the Marine Corps at age 18, something he was extremely proud of. Serving his country was an honor and a privilege to him. During a time when most were running from military service, Ken deliberately walked into the recruitment office with his head held high and volunteered to serve his country proudly. He served as a Marine for four years with a tour in Vietnam receiving the Good Conduct Medal; Meritorious Unit Award, National Defense Service Medal; Vietnam Service Medal with two stars; Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal with Device and the M-14 Marksman Badge.
After he came back from Vietnam he enlisted in the United States Air Force, where he served 16 more years before retiring. While in the Air Force he received Air Force Commendation Medal (3 bronze services stars), Air Force Longevity Service Award, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award (3 bronze oak leaf clusters), Air Force Good Conduct Medal, Air Force Organizational Excellence Award, and Air Force Overseas Short Tour and Long Tour Service Awards. While in the Air Force, Ken, Pam, and Krystal were stationed all over the USA - and even two tours in Germany. Ken's identity as a veteran was extremely important to him, and his family could not be more proud of him.
Ken was involved in his community as a Shriner who followed Masonic principles of brotherly love and philanthropy. Ken loved his friends and cared about them deeply. He has made a profound impact on everyone he has ever met.
But above all, Ken was a deeply devoted Christian who loved the Lord with his whole heart. Ken spent hours reading and annotating his Bible and sharing God's word with others. Ken was a member of Southside Baptist Church in Jacksonville for around six years. He taught his family Proverbs 3:5-6: "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths." Ken prayed often, even in his final days. His family takes comfort in the fact that Ken is spending eternity with the Lord, just like he had always talked about.
We will be honoring Ken with full military funeral honors on January 9, 2026. Please join us at Southpoint Baptist Church (3335 Tiger Hole Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32216) at 10:30 a.m. for a memorial service led by Ken's pastor. Afterwards, you are invited to join the processional to the Jacksonville National Cemetery (4083 Lannie Rd, Jacksonville, FL, 32218) for military funeral honors.
If you plan on attending the military funeral but not the church memorial service, please arrive at the cemetery no later than 2 p.m. for the 2:30 p.m. funeral.
He was born to parents Albert and Lena Faye Kish on January 11, 1944, in Tampa, FL. Ken was part of the first graduating class (1962) of King High School in Tampa.
Ken is survived by his wife Pam, daughter Krystal, son-in-love Christopher, grandchildren Kendall and Kaden, brother Albert Nelson, sister-in-law Linda, nephews Kenny and Alex, as well as many friends and extended family who will miss him dearly.
Kenneth met his wife Pamela in 1963. They were married on March 6, 1964, in Tampa, FL. Their first and only child Krystal Charlene Kish was born in 1965. Ken's first and only granddaughter Kendall Chay Little was born in 2001 and his first and only grandson Kaden Cole Little was born in 2005. Ken adored his family and spent his life ensuring they were cared for and loved as much as humanly possible.
Ken served proudly in the armed services. He joined the Marine Corps at age 18, something he was extremely proud of. Serving his country was an honor and a privilege to him. During a time when most were running from military service, Ken deliberately walked into the recruitment office with his head held high and volunteered to serve his country proudly. He served as a Marine for four years with a tour in Vietnam receiving the Good Conduct Medal; Meritorious Unit Award, National Defense Service Medal; Vietnam Service Medal with two stars; Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal with Device and the M-14 Marksman Badge.
After he came back from Vietnam he enlisted in the United States Air Force, where he served 16 more years before retiring. While in the Air Force he received Air Force Commendation Medal (3 bronze services stars), Air Force Longevity Service Award, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award (3 bronze oak leaf clusters), Air Force Good Conduct Medal, Air Force Organizational Excellence Award, and Air Force Overseas Short Tour and Long Tour Service Awards. While in the Air Force, Ken, Pam, and Krystal were stationed all over the USA - and even two tours in Germany. Ken's identity as a veteran was extremely important to him, and his family could not be more proud of him.
Ken was involved in his community as a Shriner who followed Masonic principles of brotherly love and philanthropy. Ken loved his friends and cared about them deeply. He has made a profound impact on everyone he has ever met.
But above all, Ken was a deeply devoted Christian who loved the Lord with his whole heart. Ken spent hours reading and annotating his Bible and sharing God's word with others. Ken was a member of Southside Baptist Church in Jacksonville for around six years. He taught his family Proverbs 3:5-6: "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths." Ken prayed often, even in his final days. His family takes comfort in the fact that Ken is spending eternity with the Lord, just like he had always talked about.
We will be honoring Ken with full military funeral honors on January 9, 2026. Please join us at Southpoint Baptist Church (3335 Tiger Hole Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32216) at 10:30 a.m. for a memorial service led by Ken's pastor. Afterwards, you are invited to join the processional to the Jacksonville National Cemetery (4083 Lannie Rd, Jacksonville, FL, 32218) for military funeral honors.
If you plan on attending the military funeral but not the church memorial service, please arrive at the cemetery no later than 2 p.m. for the 2:30 p.m. funeral.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Kenneth Clayton Kish, please visit our flower store.
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