LT COL Kenneth James Von Hollen

USAF Lt. Colonel Kenneth James Von Hollen (age 80) took his last flight to his eternal heavenly home on September 11, 2025, to be with his Lord and Savior. Ken was a F4 jet navigator and warrior during the Vietnam War. He knew how to fly and fight with might. Cancer won the war over his 13 years battle, but Ken never lost courage or stopped soaring. He left this earth in peace with wings outstretched to the Kingdom in Heaven to his Almighty God.

Ken was preceded in death by his parents, Leroy and Laura Von Hollen, and his brother, Harvey Von Hollen. He is survived by his wife, Bonnie Riggins Von Hollen of Magnolia, AR; his sons Tracy Von Hollen (Penny) of Troy, AL and Eric (Amy) of Calera, AL; his grandson Josh Von Hollen of Bossier City, LA; granddaughter Sharlie Gunn (Jake and only great grandchild Lottie) of Montgomery, AL, of Montgomery, AL; his sister-in-law Patricia Von Hollen of Midlothian, TX, ,his nephew Lance Von Hollen (Julie) of Mansfield, TX and niece Renee Miller (Stan) of Panama Canal, his brother-in-law Dr. Quinton Riggins (Pam) of Magnolia, his nephew Ryan Riggins (Cami with children Nolan and Lahna) of Magnolia; along with other extended family and friends.

Ken was born and attended school in Shreveport, Louisiana. He joined the Navy for one tour before attending Louisiana Tech to attain a BS degree in Business-Marketing then followed with a master's degree from the University of Arkansas. He was a commissioned USAF officer, trainer, pilot, and navigator for 22 years and 11 months. Ken was stationed across the USA to include Alaska and internationally to Thailand-Vietnam and at Royal Air Force Base in Woodbridge, England. Ken loved endless outdoor adventures and travels with his son. While diligent in his duties to his military assignments, Ken was always able to find a golf course or tennis court where he always made friends and added more to stories to share with newly acquired accents with others.

Ken had a distinguished career as an Air Operations Officer, Navigator, Weapons System Operator, Fighter and Maintenance Staff Officer. He received numerous awards and ribbons to include just some: the Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Force Commendation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Combat Readiness Medal, Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross, and Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal.

After retirement, Ken pursued a career in real estate with over 20 years with Gosslee Caldwell Banker Realty in Bossier City and Shreveport, Louisiana as a Realtor, Sales Manager and Trainer before he retired again to start his next stage in life and adventures with Bonnie in Magnolia, Arkansas.

Ken and Bonnie maintained their family church membership with the Church of the Cross in Haughton, Louisiana. Ken was known for his charm, cheer, laughter, sense of humor, and gallantry. He always paused to listen to show he cared about others. He was a leader and mentor who tried to pull the best out of people. Ken believed in hard work and play to find a balance in life. When you met Ken, you immediately liked and knew him to be authentic. He was a fierce competitor. If he lost a sport competition, he made a story out of it in order in some way to be the victor. He enjoyed a spirited, meaningful, honorable, purposeful love for life, his Country, Jesus Christ, his family, his wife, and his many friends. Ken was a memorable man. Ken prayed endlessly for peace on earth. God Bless America and Lt. Colonel Kenneth Von Hollen

Viewing will be available on Friday, September 20, 2025, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Lewis Funeral Home, Inc., 420 North Jackson, Magnolia, AR. Visitation will be held from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 20, 2025, with a service to follow at 2:00 p.m. at Lewis Funeral Home, Inc. A military honor guard salute will be held at Magnolia Memorial Park Cemetery following the service. Pastor Paul Troquille and Chaplain Jay Valentine will officiate the service. Honorary pallbearers will be Lance Von Hollen, Darryl Lincoln, Randy Johnson, Quinton Riggins, Ryan Riggins, Jimmy Gosslee, Ed Nagot, Jessie Griffin, Derrell Rogers, and Hank Bartos.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Caring Place, FUMC, 320 W Main, Magnolia, AR 71753, Magnolia Regional Medial Center, PO Box 2161, Magnolia, AR 71754, or CCAPS, PO Box 2003, Magnolia, AR 71754.