Ken Carter
Ken Carter, beloved husband of Connie, passed away on Tuesday, March 24, 2015.
Ken was born on November 11, 1946 in Sullivan, Indiana. His family moved to St. John, Kansas where he graduated from high school in 1964. He received his B.A. degree in political science from Fort Hays State University in 1968. Ken went to Kansas State University for one year of graduate school. He returned to FHSU where he taught political science for four years. He dedicated the remainder of his career to public service as a City Manager in Great Bend and Hays, Kansas and Prosser and Carnation, Washington.
Ken’s greatest joys were his relationships with his family and friends. He is survived by his loving wife, Connie Hogue Carter, who was his rock while he fought cancer. His passing is mourned by their blended families of Amy Hinkle (Scott) of Liberal, Kansas, Stacey Sand (Rich) of Leawood, Kansas, Kristi Borland (Curt) of Lakeview Terrace, California and Kent Hogue (Tracy) of Snohomish, Washington, eleven grandchildren, three great grandchildren, sisters Helen Streaker and Marcia Tricky, brothers Duane (Florienne) and Earl (Mary) and numerous other relatives and friends.
Ken was preceded in death by his parents, Dayton and Evelyn Carter, and his older brother, Eldon.
Ken will be remembered for his laughter and great smiles, his ability to create visions and transform them into reality, and his intellect and integrity.
The memorial service will be held Saturday, May 2 at 1:30 p.m.at Holy Spirit Lutheran Church (10021 NE 124th Street, Kirkland, WA 98034).
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Evergreen Hospice in Kirkland, Washington or the Salvation Army.
10 Responses to “Ken Carter”
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Our thoughts and prayers go to the family of Ken Carter. He was a warm and thoughtful man. He was also the father to two wonderful girls who have become all of Ken’s best qualities.
I (Charlene)looked up to my cousin, Kenny, who was 5 years my elder. I admired him through the years for his dedicated attention to his parents and extended family. His mother and mine were sisters. When I visited with him, I knew he was listening carefully as he relaxed, crossed his arms, and focused on me. I relate to all that is shared in the obituary. We pray for God’s love and comfort in these days for Connie and all the family.
Dearest Kenny, you are now at peace, free of pain and with all of the Saints that we know that have gone before you…Grandpa Hogue, Maurice “Buck” Abbott, Isabel Adair, Grandma Bertie & too many others to mention!!! It is still surreal that you are not here on earth with us…laughing, dining on the food that I always challenged you to eat & go beyond your Kansas upbringing:-) AND that meat & potato mentality that Jimmy & you have in common, planning our next “road trip” together, wining and dining from Prosser to Woodinville/Kirkland, holidays spent together…so many wonderful memories! I promised you that I would love and watch over my “big sister”, Connie, and I will never let you down. I promised you many other things and I will keep my word. We all know that you are dancing in Heaven and maybe, even singing a karaoke “love song” to the love of your life, Carolyn Kay AKA Connie:-) I am so thankful that you came into our lives and were a huge part of our family! We will never forget you and will hold you in our hearts forever and forever!
In the profession of city management, one of the highest compliments is stated in Ken’s obituary “his ability to create visions and transform them into reality.” It is what this profession is about and as stated, Ken made that happen. Thank you for your years of service to making the world a better place.
-John Doan
City of Tumwater
Dearest Kenny, you brought so much love and joy to our family and I want to thank you for that and pray you are at peace now. You were my Brother who was always there for me, supportive, kind and always a great listener. I feel truly blessed to have had you in my life. We shared many wonderful times the three of us and they will remain in my heart forever. I will not say goodbye as you will be with us in spirit, until we meet again dear friend
In no particular order,good looking,smart, funny, wide range of interests are descriptive words that come to mind. The very meaning of the work Ken(understanding, perception) fits him well. To the many who loved him, please concentrate on how fortunate to have been part of his life, to Ken, Aloha Oe
Grandpa Ken,
We miss you every minute of everyday. You were always on my side and such a great support system. I could always count on you. I’m glad to see you pain free now. Love you
Dearest Connie and family, My heart breaks for all of you. I will be thinking of you and your family through this heart breaking time. Ken is at peace now and right by your side always. You have a beautiful, gentle Angel on your side.
Love Krystal’s Aunt Mary
Ken made such an impression on me and my staff. He made all of us feel like his special friends. We looked forward to seeing him most everyday at lunch, always joyful and positive, lifting all of us up with his personal charm.
A day does not pass that I don’t think of him, missing his lovely presence in my life and in the City of Carnation. As many would say he made our little town a better place, but I say he made my life far better too.
With love always, your friend Sandy
I just discovered this remembrance of Ken on Kent Hogue’s F.B. page today. So now I get my chance to share with everyone how wonderful a person Ken Carter was!! What a gracious and loving human being. A truly charming, funny and warm person. He & I used to tease Connie that he & I were BFF’s and she would pretend to be jealous. I am very glad that I got to spend time with him at their home a few days before he went into Hospice. I feel very blessed indeed. RIP my dear friend Ken.