Kenneth Koeppen USAF SSGT - RET., 90, left his earthly life to be with our Lord on December 24, 2023. He was born September 16, 1933 in Brooklyn, New York, and died December 24, 2023 in Bossier City, Louisiana.
Ken is survived by sons Kevin Koeppen, wife Ginny; Jeff Koeppen, wife Pilar; Sean Koeppen, wife Jill; daughters Kelli Lindsey, husband Mike; Kim Cyr; Tina Houston, wife Angelique; and son-in-law Pat Turnage. Also surviving are 10 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren; his brother Chuck, wife Debbie of Bayshore, New York; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Ken was preceded in death by his wife of 63 years Dorothy Goonan Koeppen; parents Charles Edward and Helen Peterson Koeppen; brothers Arthur Koeppen, Harold Koeppen, sister Caroline Koeppen; daughter Lynda Turnage, granddaughter Heather Turnage, and son-in-law Donnie Cyr.
Ken entered the merchant marines at age 16 and worked on an oil tanker for one year in many international ports. He enlisted in the USAF where he served in the Security Police Squadron. Ken was a veteran of the Korean and Vietnam wars. He served 20 years in the Air Force and was awarded the Silver Star, Bronze Star, Air Force Good Conduct Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, Presidential Unit Citation, Air and Space Outstanding Unit Award, National Defense Service Medal, Korean Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, United Nations Service Medal, Air and Space Longevity service Award, and Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon.
After his retirement from the USAF, Ken was employed as an LA State Police as Corporal at LSUMC for 20 years. He was a member of law enforcement for over 40 years. Ken lived life to the fullest. He played numerous sports and was an avid weight lifter. He loved to sing and entertain family and friends at gatherings. His favorite impersonation was of Dean Martin. He was a poet and he enjoyed sharing his writings with his family and friends. Ken will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.
The family would like to express sincere appreciation to the staff at Cypress Point Nursing & Rehabilitation for their compassionate care and friendship over the past several months; and to the staff of LifePath Hospice for their compassion and support.
A Graveside Memorial will be held at 10:00 am Saturday, May 4, 2024, with Father Kelby R. Tingle, presiding, within the Hill Crest Memorial Park, Haughton, Louisiana.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Mr. Koeppen's honor to the Wounded Warrior Project: https://support.woundedwarriorproject.org.
And they that know thy name will put their trust in thee: for thou, LORD, hast not forsaken them that seek thee. Psalm 9:10
