Kenneth Eugene Whitfield

Kenneth Eugene Whitfield, age 85 of Kettering, passed away Saturday, May 26, 2018 at Kettering Medical Center. Ken was born August 5, 1932 in Dayton to the late Kenneth H. A. and Nellie (Dennis) Whitfield.

In addition to his parents, Ken was preceded in death by the mother of his children, Bertha (Clouse) Whitfield.
He is survived by his children, Lynne Patrick Whitfield and Rhonda E. (Gary) Pierce; long-time companion, Becky H. Thornburg; grandchildren, Cheri Whitfield, Cheyenne Whitfield, Kristie Martz, Andrew Lenox and Samuel Lenox; great grandchildren, Courtney, Kaitlyn, Kynleigh and Makayla.

Ken was a graduate of Roosevelt High School and immediately enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps where he honorably served from 1949-1952 during the Korean War and obtaining the rank of Corporal. Ken proudly received a Purple Heart for his service as combat veteran. Ken was a well-known and respected insurance agent of 43 years for State Farm operating his own agency in Oakwood. He also owned office buildings in Oakwood and North Dayton. Ken was a member of the Optimist and President's Clubs of Dayton, having served the office of President for the President's Club. He also enjoyed being a member of the Dayton Ski Club and Moose Lodge of Miamisburg. Ken recently joined the American Legion of Kettering. He loved travelling and was a thrill seeker experiencing new adventures, including skiing, bungie jumping, scuba diving, white water rafting and piloting aircraft. He once had the unique opportunity of meeting Orville Wright and obtained his autograph as well as having flown a replica of the Wright Flier. Ken also loved studying history and believed "The secret to all success is attitude."

Family will receive guests from 1:00 – 4:00 pm Saturday, June 2, 2018 at Newcomer Funeral Home – Kettering. A memorial service will be held Saturday, June 9, 2018. Guests will gather until 10:30 am at Newcomer Funeral Home – Kettering and followed by procession to Calvary Cemetery - Chapel, Dayton where the memorial will commence followed by a graveside committal with military honors. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society at 2808 Reading Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45206 in Ken's memory. Memories and condolences may be shared with his family by visiting Ken's online memorial at www.newcomerdayton.com