| Graduation Year | Class of 1963 |
| Date of Passing | Feb 13, 2015 |
| About | Kenneth “Ken” C. Gordner, 70, a Moses Lake resident since 1991, joined his Heavenly Father on Friday, February 13, 2015. He was at Columbia Crest Care Center surrounded by his loving family. Viewing will be from 3 to 7 p.m., Thursday, February 19th at Kayser’s Chapel, 831 S. Pioneer Way. A celebration of Ken’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, February 20th, at Moses Lake Presbyterian Church, 1142 W. Ivy Ave. Graveside services will be at 2:00 p.m., February 20th at Guarding Angels Cemetery, 2595 Road L NE. Born on October 29, 1944 to Cecil Thacker and Lillian Stabler Thacker, Ken lived in Yakima, WA all of his childhood years. After Cecil’s passing in 1950, Lillian married Don Gordner who adopted Ken and his siblings, changing his name to Gordner. He graduated from Eisenhower High School and was honored to march in the Eisenhower High School band in John F. Kennedy’s inaugural parade. After high school, he attended Yakima Valley College and then the University of Washington, receiving a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration in 1967. He began his business career on the audit staff of Touche Ross & Co. in Seattle, moving on to PACCAR Inc. which took him to the Kenworth Truck plant in Chillicothe, Ohio as plant controller. After almost ten years in Ohio, he was transferred back to Seattle in the corporate financial offices. In 1991 a career change brought him to Moses Lake and a long career with AsiMi/REC Silicon, retiring in 2011. After a brief courtship, Ken married the love of his life, Carol, in 1970. Together they lived a full and rewarding life full of friendships and travels. Their favorite place to travel was Puerto Vallarta, Mexico where he leaves behind a second “family” of close friends. Ken’s love of music and people encouraged his involvement in the Miss Washington/Miss America Organization where he was treasurer of several different local pageants as well as helping young women hone their interview skills. He was also active in the Miss Moses Lake Scholarship Program in the 1990’s. After moving to Moses Lake, Ken joined the Lions Club, holding the office of treasurer for a number of years. He was extremely proud of the involvement the Lions Club had in benefiting our community and took an active part in all their local and international activities. Ken also took up golf, becoming a member of the Moses Lake Golf & Country Club. He hit his first hole in one when he entered Heaven. Ken was an active member of the Moses Lake Presbyterian Church, serving as a greeter, a Deacon, and then an Elder. Ken’s strong faith and love of Christ guided him every day. Little children flocked to him with his warm and generous smile and outreached arms. On any given Sunday, one could find Ken cradling an infant or having an “in depth” conversation with a toddler. Ken’s deep love for home and family was evident in every action and his warm smile and twinkling blue eyes touched so many people as he walked through this life. Known for his honesty and integrity, it was easy to love and respect him. Ken is survived by his loving wife of 44 years, Carol, and three children: Brian (Melissa) Gordner of Hendersonville, N.C., Angela Davis of Moses Lake, and Rebecca (Larry) Camden of Moses Lake; grandchildren Christopher, Nathan and Faythe Gordner, Jonathan and Jeremy Davis, and McKenzie Camden. He is also survived by his brother Doug (Linda) Gordner of Yakima, sister Barbara Andrews of Seattle, and sister Donna (Ken) Riedinger of Parker, AZ., and numerous nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews. He was predeceased by both his parents. Ken’s most cherished Bible verse, Phil. 4:13 served as a beacon for his life’s path and guided him through dark times as well as the clear days. “I can do all this through Him who gives me strength.” He will be deeply missed. |
