Search by Name

Add a Memory

Send Flowers

Make a Donation

Share Obituary

KENNETH WAYNE GIDEON

About

American University Harvard University

FUNERAL HOME

Murphy Funeral Homes - Falls Church

1102 West Broad Street

Falls Church, Virginia

KENNETH GIDEON Obituary

KENNETH WAYNE GIDEON (Age 69)
Of McLean, Virginia, passed away suddenly on January 10, 2016. Ken was born and raised in Lubbock, Texas, where he met his beloved sweetheart, Carol, whom he married in 1968. After attending Harvard University and Yale Law School, he returned to Texas to briefly serve in the United States Army and then practice law in his home state. Initially a corporate attorney, he rose to the highest levels of the tax bar, serving as chief counsel for the Internal Revenue Service (1981-1983) and assistant secretary of the Treasury for tax policy (1989-1992). At the time of his death, Ken was a partner in the tax practice at Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP in Washington, DC. Though accomplished in his field, Ken''s greatest pride and joy was his family. He is survived by Carol and their four children: Chris, Kevin, Tim, and Emily as well as their spouses. He is also survived by his sister, RaDonna and by three grandchildren: Kai, Siena and Andrew. A visitation will be held on January 22 from 4 to 8 p.m. at Murphy Funeral Home, 1102 W. Broad St., Falls Church, VA. A funeral service will be held on January 23 at 6 p.m. at Metropolitan Memorial United Methodist Church, 3401 Nebraska Ave., NW, Washington, DC. In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent in Ken''s honor to: The Texas Historical Foundation, P.O. Box 50314, Austin, TX 78763 www.texashistoricalfoundation.orgorTax Assistance Public Service Endowment Fund, c/o American Bar Association Section of Taxation, 1050 Connecticut Ave, NW, Washington, DC 20036, www.americanbar. org/groups/taxation/taps_endowment.html

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Washington Post on Jan. 19, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for KENNETH GIDEON

16 Entries

Jerry Smith

January 13, 2021

It's hard to believe that Kenny has been gone for five years. He was a true friend for 54 years, a brilliant lawyer, and a devoted father and husband. All those who knew him certainly miss his inspiration and counsel.

Henry Fields

August 17, 2016

Ken was a classmate at Harvard, as well as a fellow resident of Lowell House. We also were classmates at Law School. . We were privileged to know him.

Carol: Bobbi and I send our heartfelt condolences.

Bobbi and Henry Fields. Los Angeles.

James Gosdin

July 10, 2016

It is difficult to imagine this world without Kenny Gideon physically present in it. We walked to school together many days and had an incredible variety of conversations about almost every topic possible, even politics, and we were only in the eighth grade. He had an innate respect for people and insight far beyond his years. Sitting on the floor of the gymnasium at Monterey High School just days before the end of our Senior year, Kenny, at a time and in a circumstance that would have had most people very self-absorbed (he knew he was going to Harvard), he, instead, paid me the highest compliment I have ever received. That was the nature of Kenny Gideon, and I know how much he is missed by Carol and the rest of his beautiful family. He was such an exceptional person...

Vince Fong

February 7, 2016

A great man and a brilliant tax lawyer has left us too early.

Joan Gideon

January 28, 2016

A wonderful man and nephew. He will be missed.

Andy Pike

January 28, 2016

I first met Ken when I was working on proposed tax legislation in the early 1980s when Ken was Chief Counsel at the IRS. Ken demonstrated an extraordinary array of talents: exceptional intelligence, a great sense of humor, an ability to listen to, and respect everyone who worked with him. Most of all, he had that rarest of skills: great common sense. He was a truly wonderful public servant.
Since then, I have only run into Ken (and Carol) from time to time at a local restaurant. Although Ken and I shared the same profession, Ken always talked about what seemed to be more important to him -his family, including his children and his growing group of grandchildren. It seemed clear to be that family was a source of enormous happiness to Ken. He'll be missed.

RaDonna Gideon

January 22, 2016

Kenny was an incredible big brother. As his little sister, I was always proud to answer "Yes!" when teachers would ask "Are you Kenny's sister?" He set an example for me in every way and was always there to help me achieve my goals. His wife, Carol, and his children, Chris, Kevin, Tim, Emily and each of their families were his greatest joy. The role of Dad-Dad to his grandchildren brought him more delight than he had ever imagined. He has left a huge hole in our lives, but his memory will fill our hearts forever.

Kaida Patterson

January 20, 2016

Carol and family,
I am deeply sadden by the sudden passing of Bunky. Ken was the absolute best boss that anyone could ever ask for. I was very lucky to have worked for him.
My prayers are with all of you at this time.
Kaida (Guilfoyle) Patterson

Tina

January 19, 2016

My condolences to the family . May the true God comfort you during this mournful time . Matthew 5 : 4 .

Marcie Bray

January 19, 2016

Dear Carol,
Mike and I are just hearing about Kenny. Such shocking news. We are SO very sorry. He left way too soon. He was a wonderful, fine man, and I'm privileged to have known him.
Condolences, Marcie Bray

January 19, 2016

I was privileged to work with Ken when he was Chief Counsel at the IRS. He was a person that made a major contribution to his profession with a high degree of integrity in every thing he did. My prayers are with Carol and the family at this most difficult time

Jim Owens

Mike McCarthy

January 19, 2016

Great Man leaving a Great legacy behind. Thoughts and Prayers with the family.

Jacqueline Buza-Galica, MD

January 19, 2016

No words can ever express how wonderful and special a person like Ken Gideon was other than as his wife, Carol said, "he was the best man ever". So accomplished in his field of tax law, and yet he never lost sight of the most important things in life, his family and friends. I will never know how he was able to balance his illustrious career with his love and time spent with his family, but he did it with intelligence, wit, charm, and most of all love. I will always have fond memories and a special place in my heart of the time I spent with the Gideon family, who always treated me like family whenever we were together. My love and prayers to the entire Gideon family now and in the weeks and months ahead, with extra special prayers to his dear wife, and my dear friend, Carol.
Love and hugs, Jacquie

Jan Marthinsen

January 19, 2016

I am so sorry for the loss of Kenny. He was such a fine man and I am so grateful he was able to come to the reunion last year. My prayers for comfort for you Carol and the family.

Jerry Smith

January 19, 2016

I was in high school with Ken and Carol in Lubbock, was a fellow student at Yale Law School, and practiced law with Ken in Houston at Fulbright & Jaworski. He was a lawyer's lawyer in every good respect. He was kind and generous to his colleagues and devoted to his family. His mentoring shaped my career, for which I am grateful.

January 19, 2016

Carry on in prayer, because God gives strength to the tired souls. (Isaiah 40:29)

Showing 1 - 16 of 16 results