Kenneth Lawton Elder

KENNETH "KEN" LAWTON ELDER February 22, 1937 ~ December 16, 2016 Kenneth "Ken" Lawton Elder, 79, returned to his heavenly home on Dec. 16, 2016 after a short but valiant battle with cancer. His love for his family and his firm belief in God supported him in his struggle and ultimately gave him peace when he passed in the comfort of his home. Born in South Carolina on Feb. 22, 1937, Ken was the son of the late Louise and Elmer Haney. Ken was a hardworking man throughout his life and quit school at the young age of 12 to work and help support his dear Mom and family. His hard work and unwavering work ethic to support his family continued through many hardships over the years and he was truly admired by all. Ken was self-employed and built up an impressive and thriving business, OK Pressure Washing, where he worked seven days a week until he finally sold his business and retired. During his later years, Ken enjoyed life to its fullest. He could be found sitting at his desk in his bedroom, fully decorated in family pictures, memorabilia, and antique cars, listening to XM radio and watching TV. The sounds of his favorite baseball team the Atlanta Braves, Country music or politics could always be heard coming down the hall. Ken's sidekick, Chi Chi, was sure to be there with him, either on his lap or behind his desk. He loved his puppies, Lizzy and Tony. Some of Ken's favorite things were playing with their daycare kids, cooking dinners for family, spending time with his wife and friends or tracking his steps on his early morning walks around the mall. Ken battled alcoholism and took his last drink of alcohol over 37 years ago. Throughout his many decades of sobriety, he was a mentor and confidant to others battling with the addiction and was willing to help at a moment's notice. Ken's smile lit up a room and his southern accent, smile, baseball cap and blue suspenders were recognizable by all who knew him. He took pride in his vegetable garden and his friends and family looked forward to his tomatoes each summer. Ken was immersed in the Christian community towards the latter part of his life and his faith in God became his lifeline. Ken married Pauline Kay Elder on May 6, 1965, and shared 52 years of marriage together. He passed away with his loving wife by his side. He was kind and soft-spoken, never judgmental and a man of his word. He was the glue to his family and you could always expect a phone call on important days. He treasured his family and friends in South Carolina as well, and always kept in contact with them. Ken "Papa or Poppy" will be dearly missed by his loved ones, who are grateful that he is at peace with his creator. Ken is survived by his wife, Pauline; his children, Terresa, Donald, and Cynthia; his grandchildren, Andrew, Jeremy, Alli, Brian, Courtney, Savannah, and Kirby; his sister, Myrtis Low; and his soon-to-be born great-grandson, Barker. Ken will be cremated and a Celebration of Life will be held on Jan. 7th, 2017 at 1:00 p.m. at Glenwood Community Church, 1230 NE 72d Ave., Vancouver, WA 98686. The family graciously declines flowers, but prayers, condolences and donations are appreciated. Donations can be made to the American Cancer Society . Please sign Ken's Guest Book at www.columbian.com/obits.

Kenneth Lawton Elder

February 22, 1937 - December 16, 2016