TSgt. James Kenneth "Ken" England, USAF (Ret.)

TSgt. James Kenneth “Ken” England, USAF (Ret.), 79, of Abilene always said he was, “Ready to go home when God called him”. That call came on Friday, July 16, 2021 surrounded by his family at Hendrick Medical Center.

Funeral Services celebrating his life and faith will be held on Saturday, July 24, 2021 at 1:00 PM in the chapel of Elliott-Hamil Funeral Home 5701 Hwy. 277 S. in Abilene with Kevin Kennedy officiating. The family will receive guests for visitation on Friday, July 23 from 6-8:00 PM also at the funeral home.

Ken was born on August 19, 1941 in Oklahoma City to his loving parents the late Asa Homer and Jimmia Blanche (Greeson) England. He was the baby born into a loving and close-knit family. At a young age, his family relocated to Roswell, New Mexico where he graduated from high school in 1960. In 1961, he joined the United States Air Force which was the beginning of a rewarding and successful military career. While stationed at Gunter AFB, he met Helen Louise Watts whom he married on October 21, 1962. They began their life together traveling with Ken’s military career and ultimately welcomed three sons into the family.

As a child back in Roswell Ken accepted Christ. However, while stationed in Germany in 1978, he rededicated his life to the Lord. Then, he and his wife Helen became active members of Calvary Baptist Church in Zweibrücken, Germany. This included running a bus route, bringing many kids to Sunday School and Church.

He retired in 1982 while stationed at Dyess A.F.B. After the military, he began another career as a Broker Associate for REMAX of Abilene where he was still currently working and serving others. Once the family settled in Abilene they became members of Trinity Baptist Church in July of 1981 and have remained faithful members ever since. Ken and Helen were Sunday School teachers. Ken served as a Deacon, and facilitated a small group Bible study. He was also a dedicated member of the Abilene Society of Model Railroaders. He loved sports -- Oklahoma Sooners, Dallas Cowboys, but nothing matched his love and support for the Abilene High School Eagles. He will be remembered as a loving husband, provider, role model, and patriot. Just as importantly, he was the most dependable man his sons had to look up to. His love for God, family, and country are his legacy.

He was preceded in death by his parents; siblings, Dortha Smith and Asa Lee England. He is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Helen L. England; his three sons, Ken England, Jr. and his wife Lola; Mike England, and Kevin England; two brothers, Ben England and John England; one sister, Donna Groseclose; many nephews and nieces, a host of friends, church family, and colleagues.