Kenneth Hollingsworth

Kenneth (Ken) Duling Hollingsworth Jr was born on June 18th, 1931 in Los Angeles. Ken passed away peacefully with his loving Family at his side on January 11th, 2022 at the age of 90 ½ years. Ken was an eternally, devoted Husband, Father, and Grandie who loved and cared very deeply for his Family.
Ken lived and grew up in the same home in the Pacific Palisades, California with his Parents, Sister, and Grandmother until he was called to active duty in the Air Force at the age of 19 on May 1st, 1951 during the Korean War. Ken was introduced by a mutual friend to his wife of 67 years Barbara (McComber) Hollingsworth at the Bay Theater, Pacific Palisades in 1949. Ken lovingly throughout the years described Barbie at their first meeting: "She was the cutest, and most vivacious High School girl that I ever met". During his Christmas military leave in 1951 Barbie and Ken had their first date. Their next meeting was at Santa Monica College in 1953 at an Art Appreciation class. Ken describing his success in the class was due to Barbie assisting him in passing the course. Ken and Barbie fell in love. Ken thru out his life said endearingly to Barbie: "Together Forever", "LOML Love Of My Life". They were married on May 16th, 1954.
Ken attended UCLA in 1949, and transferred to Santa Monica College graduating in 1954 with an AA Business Degree. Moving to Chatsworth, CA after purchasing their first home in 1958, Ken and Barbie raised their three Daughters: Julie Hollingsworth-Dumont, Diana Miera, and Karen Robinson in Chatsworth. In 1977 Ken was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel in the Air Force. Ken's primary career was at the US Defense Dept as part of the Defense Contract Administration & Logistics, also serving as an Air Force Academy Liaison Officer, "Recruiter" for the Air Force Academy. He retired in 1981 from both the US Defense Dept, and Air Force Reserve after 31 years of service.
Ken, Barbie, and Karen moved to Grass Valley, CA in 1982 where Ken assisted with the building, and the construction of their home on 3 acres. While living in Grass Valley Ken worked with State Farm Insurance as a Home & Property Inspector. In 2005 Ken and Barbie moved to their newly built home in Gig Harbor, WA to be close to some of their Family in the Northwest. Ken continued to work part-time at State Farm Insurance.
Ken and Barbie were active church members in all three cities in which they lived. He enjoyed singing in the choir and was a Deacon. They enjoyed many travels to France, along with a trip across the United States, Canada, England, Ireland, Scotland, and Brazil. Ken was active in Barbie's many catering activities at the church, and private events. Ken was a loving ally assisting Barbie as a waiter, transporting the catered food and decor, along with being an active part of the clean-up crew at all her catering events. Ken enjoyed gardening, landscaping their homes, and was an antique car enthusiast. He was always eager to provide the make, model and year of any car on view. Ken owned a beautiful silver 1955 Chevrolet Pickup Truck for many years participating in antique car rally events in Grass Valley, and Gig Harbor. Ken and Barbie volunteered for many years at LeMay Car Museum in Tacoma, WA from the first day the museum opened their doors. He was a passionate tour guide, and together they assisted with many of the museum events.
The most important part of our Father's life is his love of his Family. He was such a sweet, and caring Father. He loved Barbie, and his three Daughters so very much, or as he would say "His Girls". Our Dad was always there for us, proud, caring, and with loving support throughout our lives, and important events. He was such a sweet, caring Father and Husband who was so appreciative of us and our love for him. These past four years we couldn't have been more cherished in our lives by his love tenderness, and humor. He mentioned repeatedly how much he loves and appreciates each of us, and our Families. His tender and endless love will be with us always.
Our Father will be missed by his Family and Friends who love and cherish him always, in his loving memory.
A private Family ceremony will be held at Tahoma National Cemetery. A later date will be announced for a Celebration of Life with Family and Friends.
To plant a tree in memory of Kenneth Hollingsworth, please click here.