Kenneth Sampley Obituary

Kenneth Carl Sampley, Sr., age 96, of Colorado Springs, went to be with his Savior on Monday, October 10, 2016 in Fort Collins, Colorado.

He was born on June 11, 1920 in Lewisport, Kentucky to Otto and Jennie Lee (Thornsberry) Sampley. Ken was born in a log cabin house on the banks of the Ohio River where Abraham Lincoln once held court and operated a ferry across the river! That house is now on the Historic Register. Ken came from a farming family and proudly served in the United States and Europe as a Sergeant in World War II. As an airplane mechanic, he worked on P-45 Mustang Fighters.

Ken married the love of his life, Grace, on June 23, 1945. After the war, he relocated to Colorado and obtained a Horticulture Degree. For sixty years, he and Grace owned and operated a tree nursery and landscape company called "Kenny's Nursery", in Security, Colorado, located south of Colorado Springs. He was recognized one year as the "Colorado Nurseryman of the Year", and also served along with Grace as the Fountain Valley Parade Grand Marshal in the 1990s.

Ken was a devout Christian man and member of First Baptist Church of Colorado Springs.

Ken was an avid Denver Broncos fan and enjoyed trips to Mile High Stadium. He loved to sing hymns and discuss religion and world events. Ken enjoyed serving others as a proud Security Lions Club member.

He was preceded in death by two brothers, Duncan and Jimmy, and two sisters, Mayme and Jean.

He is survived by his wife of seventy-one years, Grace; a son, Ken (Julie); and his grandchildren, Lauren and Matthew.

Visitation, 11:30AM, followed by a Funeral Service with military honors at 1:00PM on Tuesday, October 18, 2016 at First Baptist Church of Colorado Springs, 317 East Kiowa Street, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80903.

Interment to immediately follow the services at Evergreen Cemetery, 1005 South Hancock Avenue, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80904.