KENNETH VAIL

1940 - 2021

KENNETH HENRY VAIL  1940 - 2021   
KENNETH VAIL, a career federal attorney age 80, died at his home in Washington, DC, on June 9, 2021, of lung cancer. He is survived by his wife of 30 years, Barbara Vail; daughter Katherine Wilson; sons, Kenneth Vail, Jr., and Christopher Vail; two granddaughters, Meredith Epling (Matthew) and Elizabeth Croinex (Jonathan); six great-granddaughters; brother, Richard Vail, Jr. (Ruth); sister-in-law, Judith Harris (Walter Kravitz); and niece, Alani Kravitz (Nicholas Hanson).  Born on December 23, 1940, to Richard and Evelyn (Henry) Vail, Ken was raised in St. Petersburg, Florida and enjoyed vacationing on the state's west coast throughout his life. He graduated from the University of Florida and Stetson University Law School. After law school, he moved to Virginia and joined the US Department of Agriculture's Office of the General Counsel where he served 42 years with integrity and expertise, the great majority of those as a member of the Senior Executive Service and as Assistant General Counsel. Retiring in 2012 from USDA, Ken joined Feld Entertainment's Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus as its Compliance Officer, a job he enjoyed immensely until the circus closed. As Ken used to say, "Not everyone gets to run away and join the circus at age 72." He was an avid book collector and reader, jigsaw puzzle solver, World War II buff, red wine enthusiast, and always delightful company. Ken will be remembered with love for his affability and kindness, for his intellect and good judgment, and for his companionship and friendship. Arrangements are private. Donations may be made in his name to the American Civil Liberties Union (action.aclu.org).