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William Kenneth Waller
05/28/1954 — 06/07/2007
From Richland, WA, US | Born in Yazoo City, Mississippi
William Kenneth Waller
Ken Waller, 53, of Richland, passed on June 6 in Tukwila, WA. He was born in Yazoo City, MS yet spent 13 years in the Tri-City area. He was a Project Engineer for Battelle.
Ken was born and raised in Yazoo City, MS where he participated in music, hunting, fishing, and a bit of mischief with his crew. In 1976, Ken graduated from Delta State University with his Bachelors of Science in Biology.
Ken married Gail in 1979 and had two children, Chase and Enid. Ken moved to Richland most recently in 1997 where he has worked with Battelle and volunteered countless hours with the Hanford Band Association where both of his children participated.
Ken is survived by his wife Gail, mother Ruth, brothers Robert and Gary, son Chase, and daughter Enid.
Ken was a very loving individual and is greatly missed by those that were closest to him.
The service for Ken is Monday June 11, at 1 p.m. in the Hanford High School Gymnasium.
In lieu of flowers please make a contribution to the Hanford Band Association Laurie Wassner, 375-5064, American Heart Association americanheart.org, or Diabetes Research Institute diabetesresearch.org on Kens behalf.
our deepest sympathies to you all. Ken was a great guy he was always there cheering April on at Baton Competitions and Color Gaurd Events. Always made her smile and laugh helped calm her nerves before going on the field at half time to Twirl Baton. One of the few GREAT GUYS!!!!! Will be missed
I knew Ken for probably 15 years. We used work in the same group and golf in the same league. We did not see each other much the last few years, but whenever we did, it was sure to be a good mix of catching up and some serious joking around. Ken will always be one of my favorite people. One of the last times I saw him was about 2 years ago. I was returning from Seattle and pumping gas in North Bend. All of a sudden I heard some wise crack behind me. I turned around and there was Ken Waller, leaning up against his car, waiting for his tank to fill. We talked and joked for 5 minutes and then he went west and I went east. I am sorry there will be no more chance encounters, but am thankful for those I had. Ken was a good guy and I will miss him. My condolences to the family.
Gail, Enid & Chase,
All though it has been quite a few years since we were together, our love for you continues to grow. The memories we made will always be cherished. Ken was special. His smile, his hug, his laugh and his gift of encouragement made him very special. His love for you his family, we his friends and Jesus Christ his Savior was evident in how he lived. It is easy to see that Ken’s love has been felt by your “local” family there. We felt it first here in your Georgia family. God brought us together as part of His plan. His hand shaped and molded a group of people to start a new church called Summit. We cried together, prayed together, sweated together and played together. It’s a bond that can never be broken. So long “Bo-Bo Head”. We will miss you deeply but will see you again one glorious day!
We love you all. Phil 1:3
Tim, Catherine, Chip & David
Ken was indeed a gentleman and everyone’s friend. He was also one of the best neighbors imaginable. I treasure memories of running across the street at night for his fresh-brewed coffee, visiting with him and Gail after the kids were asleep. I remember being treated to delicious Mississippi farm-raised catfish. And there was the 4th of July barbeque featuring ribs cooked by Ken where we all ate so much we couldn’t move. And countless other acts of friendship, sharing, and caring.
It was obvious how much Ken loved his family, and what a legacy of love and caring and giving he has left. God bless you and provide you with comfort, Gail, Enid, and Chase, as you miss this lovely man. May He also fill your heart with the wonderful memories you have of Ken.
With love always,
Julie Gephart
Gail, Enid and Chase:
Ken was a kind, and a great classmate and bandmate here in Yazoo City, MS. Always with a happy energy during our school years here in our hometown. My God Bless All Of Ken’s Family And Friends.
– – – – – – – – – – – –
Musician’s Serenity Prayer
God grant me
SERENITY to start each day
on a joyful note,
COURAGE to sing
the song of my soul, and
WISDOM to trust
You always accompany me.
– * –
Gods Speed Ken As You
Bring A Joyful Song To
H E A V E N !
– David Allen
Yazoo City, MS
Gail and family,
I just got back from the service or Ken. It was awesome and I admire you so for getting up and speaking in front of everyone.
May God wrap his arms around you.
JoAnne McLaughlin
My prayers go out to his family and friends. I enjoyed working with Ken and appreciated his wisdom, kindness, and support. He will be missed by all.
Goodbye Weenie, I’ll miss you. I was fortunate to count you among my friends, am grateful for all the laughs, and am better for having known a man whose impeccable character comprised so many positive attributes. Gail, Enid, and Chase, you have my deepest condolences. Please don’t hesitate to call if there’s anything I can do to help out. Dave
I will surely continue to miss Ken as I have such fond memories of working with him for the last 3 years in both Long Beach California and Tukwila Washington. Ken was one of the only bright spots in my days while on business travel and at home. We would often meet in the evenings to discuss the day that had just passed and the coming days activities. Without fail, we managed to find something to laugh about and encourage each other. Ken was so uplifting and supportive, even if I had been a problem and caused troubles in his day, I was always a part of his team and he loved me for that and I him. He was an oasis in a world of turmoil that will always be missed in the desert of life. Ken, you leave me with the fondest of memories and for that I will always love you.
Love to you and to yours forever now Ken, Doug,
Gail, Chase & Enid; together are families will forever be bond by the love your husband and father had for beagle puppies. I thank god for allowing me the opportunity to share in his happiness when I first gave him those precious tiny pupples first Lucy and then Shelby I’ll never forget the happiness that coverd his face when he frist held Lucy. I was crying when I gave her to him and all he could say to me was that she’s going to a good home darling! I knew that but was too tangled up in my own loss. As the years passed, and when I would see him I would ask how our Grandpuppies were doing and his face would lightup wotj enjoyment and tell me all about thier adventours. I’m so very happy that those 2 special litlle dogs were able to know one of the best men I have meet in my life. He truly was a god send. May the Lords peace comfort you duing this diffcult time. God Bless you all.
I often submitted Ken’s travel reports while working at Battelle and I always thought Ken was fun and pleasant to chat with. What a great sense of humor too. I know he must be greatly missed. Even though I only knew him for a short while, his character was so friendly, he left a nice imppression. I am sorry to hear of this loss.
Ken you were an amazing man. From the day when I met you to when I saw you last at Lindsey’s Wedding, you were a class act.
I remember when I was kicked out of a basketball game in Ellensburg, you stayed with me in the side gym as I served my punsihment. I will never forget that.
You joked with me when I took Enid to homecoming and you said that you were going to bring out your gun when I picked her up.
Through all the times we had in band, you helped me develop into a better leader and that has continued to help me today. I will remember the car rides together, your passion for the braves and all the band trips. Thanks for everything Ken.
Gail, Enid & Chase:
Please forgive me for not writing sooner. We just found out last night from Michael. Ken was a wonderful man. The one thing that comes to mind, was the last band trip we took to Seattle for State Basketball. He was walking the halls at night because the snoring in his room was so loud, he could not sleep. He heard us, Duby, myself, Judy and the other Mary giggleing and almost knocked on our door to tell us we were too loud. I remember so many times that we were together and remember so many great things, Enid’s senior picnic, prom and so many more. For some reason, God called him home. He will be greatly missed.
If you need anything, please call us. I just wished we had known sooner. We had taken Mom to Alaska and I did not read the papers when we got home.
All our love to you.
Jerry, Mary, Wendi, Mike, Angie and the boys.
our deepest sympathies to you all. Ken was a great guy he was always there cheering April on at Baton Competitions and Color Gaurd Events. Always made her smile and laugh helped calm her nerves before going on the field at half time to Twirl Baton. One of the few GREAT GUYS!!!!! Will be missed
I knew Ken for probably 15 years. We used work in the same group and golf in the same league. We did not see each other much the last few years, but whenever we did, it was sure to be a good mix of catching up and some serious joking around. Ken will always be one of my favorite people. One of the last times I saw him was about 2 years ago. I was returning from Seattle and pumping gas in North Bend. All of a sudden I heard some wise crack behind me. I turned around and there was Ken Waller, leaning up against his car, waiting for his tank to fill. We talked and joked for 5 minutes and then he went west and I went east. I am sorry there will be no more chance encounters, but am thankful for those I had. Ken was a good guy and I will miss him. My condolences to the family.
Gail, Enid & Chase,
All though it has been quite a few years since we were together, our love for you continues to grow. The memories we made will always be cherished. Ken was special. His smile, his hug, his laugh and his gift of encouragement made him very special. His love for you his family, we his friends and Jesus Christ his Savior was evident in how he lived. It is easy to see that Ken’s love has been felt by your “local” family there. We felt it first here in your Georgia family. God brought us together as part of His plan. His hand shaped and molded a group of people to start a new church called Summit. We cried together, prayed together, sweated together and played together. It’s a bond that can never be broken. So long “Bo-Bo Head”. We will miss you deeply but will see you again one glorious day!
We love you all. Phil 1:3
Tim, Catherine, Chip & David
Ken was indeed a gentleman and everyone’s friend. He was also one of the best neighbors imaginable. I treasure memories of running across the street at night for his fresh-brewed coffee, visiting with him and Gail after the kids were asleep. I remember being treated to delicious Mississippi farm-raised catfish. And there was the 4th of July barbeque featuring ribs cooked by Ken where we all ate so much we couldn’t move. And countless other acts of friendship, sharing, and caring.
It was obvious how much Ken loved his family, and what a legacy of love and caring and giving he has left. God bless you and provide you with comfort, Gail, Enid, and Chase, as you miss this lovely man. May He also fill your heart with the wonderful memories you have of Ken.
With love always,
Julie Gephart
Gail, Enid and Chase:
Ken was a kind, and a great classmate and bandmate here in Yazoo City, MS. Always with a happy energy during our school years here in our hometown. My God Bless All Of Ken’s Family And Friends.
– – – – – – – – – – – –
Musician’s Serenity Prayer
God grant me
SERENITY to start each day
on a joyful note,
COURAGE to sing
the song of my soul, and
WISDOM to trust
You always accompany me.
– * –
Gods Speed Ken As You
Bring A Joyful Song To
H E A V E N !
– David Allen
Yazoo City, MS
Gail and family,
I just got back from the service or Ken. It was awesome and I admire you so for getting up and speaking in front of everyone.
May God wrap his arms around you.
JoAnne McLaughlin
My prayers go out to his family and friends. I enjoyed working with Ken and appreciated his wisdom, kindness, and support. He will be missed by all.
Goodbye Weenie, I’ll miss you. I was fortunate to count you among my friends, am grateful for all the laughs, and am better for having known a man whose impeccable character comprised so many positive attributes. Gail, Enid, and Chase, you have my deepest condolences. Please don’t hesitate to call if there’s anything I can do to help out. Dave
I will surely continue to miss Ken as I have such fond memories of working with him for the last 3 years in both Long Beach California and Tukwila Washington. Ken was one of the only bright spots in my days while on business travel and at home. We would often meet in the evenings to discuss the day that had just passed and the coming days activities. Without fail, we managed to find something to laugh about and encourage each other. Ken was so uplifting and supportive, even if I had been a problem and caused troubles in his day, I was always a part of his team and he loved me for that and I him. He was an oasis in a world of turmoil that will always be missed in the desert of life. Ken, you leave me with the fondest of memories and for that I will always love you.
Love to you and to yours forever now Ken, Doug,
Gail, Chase & Enid; together are families will forever be bond by the love your husband and father had for beagle puppies. I thank god for allowing me the opportunity to share in his happiness when I first gave him those precious tiny pupples first Lucy and then Shelby I’ll never forget the happiness that coverd his face when he frist held Lucy. I was crying when I gave her to him and all he could say to me was that she’s going to a good home darling! I knew that but was too tangled up in my own loss. As the years passed, and when I would see him I would ask how our Grandpuppies were doing and his face would lightup wotj enjoyment and tell me all about thier adventours. I’m so very happy that those 2 special litlle dogs were able to know one of the best men I have meet in my life. He truly was a god send. May the Lords peace comfort you duing this diffcult time. God Bless you all.
I often submitted Ken’s travel reports while working at Battelle and I always thought Ken was fun and pleasant to chat with. What a great sense of humor too. I know he must be greatly missed. Even though I only knew him for a short while, his character was so friendly, he left a nice imppression. I am sorry to hear of this loss.
Ken you were an amazing man. From the day when I met you to when I saw you last at Lindsey’s Wedding, you were a class act.
I remember when I was kicked out of a basketball game in Ellensburg, you stayed with me in the side gym as I served my punsihment. I will never forget that.
You joked with me when I took Enid to homecoming and you said that you were going to bring out your gun when I picked her up.
Through all the times we had in band, you helped me develop into a better leader and that has continued to help me today. I will remember the car rides together, your passion for the braves and all the band trips. Thanks for everything Ken.
Gail, Enid & Chase:
Please forgive me for not writing sooner. We just found out last night from Michael. Ken was a wonderful man. The one thing that comes to mind, was the last band trip we took to Seattle for State Basketball. He was walking the halls at night because the snoring in his room was so loud, he could not sleep. He heard us, Duby, myself, Judy and the other Mary giggleing and almost knocked on our door to tell us we were too loud. I remember so many times that we were together and remember so many great things, Enid’s senior picnic, prom and so many more. For some reason, God called him home. He will be greatly missed.
If you need anything, please call us. I just wished we had known sooner. We had taken Mom to Alaska and I did not read the papers when we got home.
All our love to you.
Jerry, Mary, Wendi, Mike, Angie and the boys.
I went to Holmesband togetherand Delta State with Ken. I’ll always have fond memories of Ken. He really was a great guy. My sympathy to the family.
Sincerely, Jackie
Dear Gail, Enid and Chase,
Jim and I are praying for you today that God will surround you with His Love and comfort. We love you.
Jim and Denise Stanfield
Dearest Gail, Chase & Enid,
Our deepest sympathies go out to you and your family. Ken was a wonderful, thoughtful, loving and caring man who will be truly missed by all who knew him and all whose lives he touched. His wonderful smile, his big bear hugs and his dedication to his kids and family.
I always enjoyed listening to him tell about some of his life stories and experiences. He was always cheering Lacey on at the HHS basketball games as well as his never ending dedicaton to the HHS Band.
I will especially remember one of the best times I ever had with Ken and Gail. It was when Chase was playing drums for Androcles and they were the opening act for Alien Ant Farm at Ray’s Golden Lion. I think I laughed so hard that night that my muscles ached the next day. We had such a great time. I cherish that memory.
May God Bless you all and be with you in this most difficult time. We Love You!
Dearest Gail, Chase, Enid and your extended family,
My deepest condolences to you. Ken was a dear friend, respected colleague, and mentor. Moreover, your Southern Gentleman and Familyman provided – for those of us blessed to work with him – a profound and unwavering “moral-compass”. Ken’s ethics were unwavering. His technical judgments sound and respected. His love of family and God evident in all he did and in all his interactions with his colleagues and friends. I will truly miss him and pray for you, his family, that you know how much his extended work-family loved and respected him and will forever miss him.
My condolences to the Waller family.
I first met Ken @ 2000 when he came to work for Battelle. Ken had a keen sense of humor and was a pleasure to work with. I hadn’t seen Ken for some time until just a few days ago when I saw Ken sitting with his son at Safeway. I believe Ken was waiting with Chad while his wife was shopping.
Anyway, we chatted briefly, exchanged pleasantries and I went on my way. Looking back I’m especially grateful for that moment with Ken and his son.
God bless your family.
Ken was one of the first Hanford band parents that made me feel a part of the family. I always enjoyed going to the events knowing he would be there with all his enthusiasm in tow. Kara and Joey loved “Papa Waller” as well and my husband, Dan, summed it up when he said, “Ken was one of the truly good guys”. Ken will be missed. We loved him and our thoughts and prayers will be with his family.
Kim Riordan, another Hanford Band groupie
Guestbook for
William Kenneth Waller