In Memory Of
Kenneth Ward Harris
1932
2023
Kenneth Ward Harris
December 21, 1932 — September 28, 2023
Kenneth Ward Harris, 90, of Casper, Wyoming passed away Thursday, September 28, 2023 peacefully at Lifecare Center.
Ken was born in Kansas City, Missouri, the first born son to Samuel Ward Harris, Jr. and Juanita Mame (Cousins) Harris on December 21, 1932. Brother, Gary was born 4 years later. Sam worked for Standard Oil of Indiana, and the family seemed to move every couple of years - wherever the work took them. Surprise sister, June, arrived while Ken was serving in the National Guard.
Ken joined the Wyoming National Guard as a traditional Guardsman based out of Glenrock, Wyoming in 1951. He joined the United States Navy after he completed his National Guard enlistment, only to discover he had severe sea-sickness. But Ken's patriotic calling was answered when he joined the United States Air Force in 1954. He served for 21 years, retiring in 1972 as a Staff Sergeant. First stationed at F.E. Warren Air Force Base in Cheyenne, Wyoming, Ken was also based in Japan, Korea, Alaska, Louisiana, Washington, and Mississippi during his military career.
Ken married Jackie Seals, and they welcomed son, David in 1965. Upon his Air Force retirement, Ken packed up the family and moved back to Cheyenne, Wyoming where he worked as a purchasing agent for the VA hospital. Ken and Jackie divorced, and he later met and married Laurie Benz, M.D., who was a physician at the VA.
Ken loved to travel the United States and the world by motorcycle, cruise ship, car, plane, and even by tent. His favorite places were Barbados, Hawaii, and the Caribbean. Most of his travels later in life were enjoyed with his sister and brother-in-law.
Ken was preceded in death by his parents; and his wife, Laurie in 1983.
He is survived by his brother, Gary (Adele) Harris of Oregon; sister, June (Elvin) Anderson of Casper; son, David (Kim) Harris of Cheyenne; nephew, Duane (Amy) Anderson, nieces, Amy (Brian) Johnson; and Becky (Mike) Reynolds; grand child, Shana Harris; nieces, Jessica Brown and Amber Harris; nephews, Jonathan Harris and Kyle Anderson; and numerous other relatives and friends.
To share a memory of Ken or leave a special message for his family, please visit the guestbook below.
Ken was born in Kansas City, Missouri, the first born son to Samuel Ward Harris, Jr. and Juanita Mame (Cousins) Harris on December 21, 1932. Brother, Gary was born 4 years later. Sam worked for Standard Oil of Indiana, and the family seemed to move every couple of years - wherever the work took them. Surprise sister, June, arrived while Ken was serving in the National Guard.
Ken joined the Wyoming National Guard as a traditional Guardsman based out of Glenrock, Wyoming in 1951. He joined the United States Navy after he completed his National Guard enlistment, only to discover he had severe sea-sickness. But Ken's patriotic calling was answered when he joined the United States Air Force in 1954. He served for 21 years, retiring in 1972 as a Staff Sergeant. First stationed at F.E. Warren Air Force Base in Cheyenne, Wyoming, Ken was also based in Japan, Korea, Alaska, Louisiana, Washington, and Mississippi during his military career.
Ken married Jackie Seals, and they welcomed son, David in 1965. Upon his Air Force retirement, Ken packed up the family and moved back to Cheyenne, Wyoming where he worked as a purchasing agent for the VA hospital. Ken and Jackie divorced, and he later met and married Laurie Benz, M.D., who was a physician at the VA.
Ken loved to travel the United States and the world by motorcycle, cruise ship, car, plane, and even by tent. His favorite places were Barbados, Hawaii, and the Caribbean. Most of his travels later in life were enjoyed with his sister and brother-in-law.
Ken was preceded in death by his parents; and his wife, Laurie in 1983.
He is survived by his brother, Gary (Adele) Harris of Oregon; sister, June (Elvin) Anderson of Casper; son, David (Kim) Harris of Cheyenne; nephew, Duane (Amy) Anderson, nieces, Amy (Brian) Johnson; and Becky (Mike) Reynolds; grand child, Shana Harris; nieces, Jessica Brown and Amber Harris; nephews, Jonathan Harris and Kyle Anderson; and numerous other relatives and friends.
To share a memory of Ken or leave a special message for his family, please visit the guestbook below.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Kenneth Ward Harris, please visit our flower store.
Service Schedule
Past Services
Visitation
Monday, October 9, 2023
11:00am - 12:00 pm (Mountain time)
Newcomer Cremations, Funerals & Receptions
Service
Monday, October 9, 2023
Starts at 12:30 pm (Mountain time)
Guestbook
Visits: 14
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