Kenneth W. Cairns Sr.

Kenneth Cairns, age 85, passed away peacefully on Sunday, October 5, 2025.
Ken was a graduate of Whitmer High School and Mount Union College. He was a veteran of the U.S. Navy, serving aboard the USS McCard as a Sonarman, retiring with the rank of Chief Petty Officer. Following his work in the Navy, he worked as a Test Engineer for Dana corporation, retiring after more than 40 years.
He loved spending time with his family and weekends at the cottage at Silver Lake in Brooklyn, MI. No one was a stranger to Ken, and quite possibly the activity he enjoyed the most was a good meal with friends and family around the table.
Ken was an avid rail fan, and his claim to fame was being able to identify any train by the sound of its whistle or horn. He was often found watching trains in and about town as well as filming trains in locations such as Tehachapi, CA. He loved riding trains, and if he was traveling, Amtrak was his preferred method of transportation. He was a former member of the Swanton Model Railroad Club and one of the original members of the Blissfield Model Railroad club.
His surviving family members are Alice Davis, Kenneth II, Heidi, William, Kit, Pam, Mary, Pryor, Percy, Susan, Evan, Emma, Everett and Everly.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 40 years, Gloria; his parents, John and Willeta; and his son, Jeffery.
Visitation will be at Ansberg-West Funeral Home, 3000 W. Sylvania Ave, on Friday, October 17, 2025, from 12pm to 2pm, followed by a brief graveside service at Toledo Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, his request was that donations be made to the Toledo Humane Society.