Kenneth Kienlen

Lt. Col. (Ret.) (USAAF/USAF) Kenneth A. KienlenKenneth was born on September 27, 1922 in Oklahoma City to Edward and Laura Kienlen, and he died on April 3, 2011. He graduated from Classen High School in 1941, then enlisted in the Army Air Corps in 1942. He married Dorothy Jean Rush in Feb. of 1944. They were together until December of 1991, when she passed away. Kenneth then went to flight school in Pampa Texas Air Field where, after graduation, he became an instructor pilot. He was a C-47 pilot from November 1944 to October 1945 in Europe, dropping supplies to General Patton, and also airborne troops for operations. After V-E Day, he ferried soldiers back to the states, and also served a tour in the Pacific. During his 22 years in the service, both active and reserve duty, he was stationed in such places as Morocco, Korea, Texas, Florida, Germany, and New Jersey, before retiring to Norman, OK in 1966. Kenneth then went to work at Tinker AFB, working in many areas, but most notably in the cruise missile section. He retired for good in 1983, after 17 years service. Perhaps his most favorite thing to do was travel with family and friends. While stationed in Germany, the family was able to take many trips during leave times. After retirements, there were many trips to places like Hong Kong, Thailand, Scotland, African Safaris, Antarctica, the Amazon and Galapagos. Ken and Dotty were avid Oklahoman University Football fans, with season tickets from 1967 to 2010. Mr. Kienlen was also very active in the Theatre Arts. He and his wife Dorothy were founding members of the Norman Community Playhouse. He thoroughly enjoyed acting, and everything behind the scenes at the playhouse, including production of several shows. Ken was preceded in death by a son, Kenneth Rush Kienlen, and wife, Dorothy. Surviving family members include son, Richard and daughter-in-law Cindy; daughter, Suzy and son-in- law Richard Sawkins; grandchildren, Tony, Roger, Steven, and Katie; great grandchildren, Hailey and Bryson; and a very special companion, Oralee Stallboris. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a macular degeneration foundation, WWW.MAC ULAR.ORG or WWW.AMD.ORGA graveside service will be held at 11:00 AM Saturday, April 9, 2011, at Rose Hill Burial Park in Oklahoma City.