Kenneth Evans "Ken" Behnke

Kenneth Evans "Ken" Behnke died peacefully at Anne Arundel Medical Center on August 23, 2025 in Annapolis, Maryland at the age of 94. Ken is survived by his loving wife, Lynda Levin Behnke: daughters, Kimberly Behnke (Eugene Bolton) and Brooke P. Layton (Brian Layton); and step daughter Monica Apple Haley. He is preceded in death by his parents, Theodore and Nina Behnke of Glastonbury, Connecticut, his brother, Donald Behnke, his sister, Phyllis Langstroth and stepdaughter Joy Apple Miller. A special thanks to Ken's angel, Katrina Proctor for the care and the quality she added to his life. Ken was born on June 4, 1931 in Hartford, Connecticut to Theodore and Nina Behnke. He graduated from the University of Hartford in 1953 with a degree in engineering. He married Lynda Levin in February 1994. Ken's combined Navy and civilian aviator career was remarkable and record setting. Ken is included on the National Air and Space Museum's Wall of Honor. It is a permanent memorial at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, VA recognizing those with a passion for flight. Ken's name will be seen by millions of visitors, along with other icons of flight such as the Wright brothers, Amelia Earhart, Neil Armstrong, John Glenn, Bessie Coleman, and Jim Lovell. Ken joined the Navy as a Naval Aviator in 1953. As a carrier pilot he flew the F7U3 Cutlass. He completed the only Navy cruise in that plane. Ken also served as an instrument instructor, and in the Ferry Squadron ferrying Navy planes around the world. In 1957 he became Commercial airline pilot for Capital and United Airlines for 37 years, achieving the rank of Captain, and having flown the following: DC-3, DC-4, DC-6, CD-7, 049 Constellation, Viscount, 727, 737, DC-8, DC-10, 747. A private family graveside service is planned for Ken, in Connecticut at a future date.