Kenneth M. Carson, 78 passed away peacefully Wednesday, January 3, 2018 at his residence surrounded by his loving family.

Kenneth was born May 1, 1939 to the late Robert and Geneva (Carey) Carson. On May 28, 1977 he married Lila Ann Livingston in Dixon, Missouri outside at her house.

In his early life, Kenneth served in the United States Army, surviving two tours of Vietnam and ultimately becoming a Sergeant First Class. He told stories about "his men," and it was evident to all that would hear them that he took great pride in his job. Those that he worked with were like family, and he dedicated 21 years of his life to serving his country. It was toward the end of his active career that he met the true love of his life-- his sweet Lila Ann.

Married in the spring of 1977, Ken not only became a husband to Lila, but also a father to Gary, Cindy, Wes, and Lisa. The love he felt for their children, though they were nearly all grown when he joined their lives, was an "always and forever" type of love. This love grew larger and larger as each new grandchild entered the world, and larger still as the great-grandbabies were born. He was happiest when surrounded by family, whether it was just to fry bacon and eat pancakes with a grown grandchild, or in a large holiday gathering that was often so full of laughter that the neighbors could likely hear, undoubtedly due to another one of "Papa's jokes."

His entire family would say that he never knew a stranger, and he truly did not. He knew the value of a smile and a handshake, and made sure to leave happiness in his wake wherever he and Lila traveled. His dedication to his country was unwavering until the end, thanking every service member with whom he had the opportunity to speak. He donated blood at every opportunity and always urged his family members to participate in the Wounded Warrior Project, an organization in which he took great pride. He loved his sweet dog, Lexus, and the cat which adopted them (and not the other way around!), Lucy.

To say he will be missed is an understatement of the highest degree, but he was sure of where he was headed, and was ready to meet his Jesus. His legacy is one of love, goodness, and laughter; it will live on in the hearts of his family and anyone who had the privilege to call him their love, their father, their Papa, and their friend.

"When a great man dies, for years the light he leaves behind him lies on the paths of men."    Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

He is survived by his wife, Lila Ann Carson; four children, Gary (JoAnn) Manino, Cindy Stahl, James (Cathy) Shepherd and Lisa (Dave) Chiles; eleven grandchildren, Makayla Manino, Erik Manino, Kevin Manino, Kenneth "Andy" (Samantha) Stahl, Matt Stahl, Lauren (Tyler) Dietering,  Ashley (Duncan) George, James Z. Shepherd, Whitney (Jason) Metz, Lila Mackenzie (Phil) Conley and Rachel Chiles; eight great grandchildren, Noah, Maddie, Jack, Daxton, Effie Faye, Helena, David and Gwen.

He is preceeded in death by his parents; two brothers; three sisters

A memorial service will be held Saturday, January 13, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. at the Belle Center Church of Christ, 301 Walnut Street, Belle Center, Oh, 43310.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made in Kenneth's name to American Cancer Society, Ohio Division, Inc., Southwest Region, 2808 Reading Road, Cincinnati, Ohio, 45206 and Wounded Warriors Project, Wounded Warrior Project, PO Box 758517, Topeka, Kansas 66675-8517