Kenneth Gene Hogan

HOGAN, KENNETH GENE, (“Ken”) 87, of Henrico County, died on April 13, 2017 after several weeks of declining health and a brief stay in the hospital. His beautiful and loving wife of almost 66 years, Jane (“Mimi”), died just last October. Ken (“Poppa”) is survived by his three children: Larry, Suzie (Don) and Nancy. He is also survived by four granddaughters: Hillary, Teri (Dave), McKenzie (Mike) and Kendall, and by two beautiful great-grandchildren, Elliott and Ginny Leigh. Ken was born in Roanoke, Virginia, the only child of Howard B. and Jessie Vaughn Hogan. Ken and Jane were grade school sweethearts who graduated together in 1948 from Jefferson Senior High School in Roanoke. Ken and Jane were married in 1950, just before he shipped out to Korea with the U.S. Marines. For his service to his country, he was awarded the Korean Service Medal. Ken later enlisted in the Army National Guard and was honorably discharged in May, 1957. The couple moved to Henrico in 1957 and raised their family in the county’s west end. Ken was an athlete, who loved to play golf and tennis. He played league tennis for many years while a member of Avalon Recreation Assn., a swim and tennis club that he helped found. He, Jane and their kids spent most days during the summer at Avalon, where the kids swam competitively. Ken was at every swim meet, working in some capacity and always cheering on the kids. In his later years, he enjoyed playing golf regularly with his friends. Jane and Ken shared many happy times and adventures with a close set of friends - couples who partied at Avalon and at the beach at Sandbridge. During his life, Ken worked as a draftsman and an estimator in the steel fabrication industry, and he spent many years in sales. His last job, at Hermitage Steel in Hanover County, took him well into his retirement years. Ken and Jane traveled to Ireland in 2000, and he was thrilled to be able to absorb the culture and to share a pint or a wee bit of Bushmills with just about anyone (although in his later years he was more of a “Jack in the Black” drinker!) Jane’s health began to deteriorate in 2011, and Ken became her sole caregiver. They lived together at home until October of last year, when Jane finally entered hospice a week before her passing. Ken tried to adjust to a life without Jane, but his own failing health and Jane’s loss took a tremendous toll on him. Ken was a devoted and loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, who was always there to offer assistance and advice to his family. He was a man who possessed an honest and generous heart, and who was unfailingly loyal to family and friends. Those who knew him will miss his wittiness, his friendship and his graciousness. The loss of Mimi and then Poppa in less than six months is a staggering blow, but we find solace in our memories of the many good times they had with family and friends, and in the love and devotion they had for each other. Each will be missed and never forgotten. Visitation will be held at the Parham Chapel, Woody Funeral Home, 1771 N. Parham Rd., between noon and 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 20; a memorial service will follow immediately thereafter. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make donations to the St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital. Condolences may be offered at woodyfuneralhomeparham.com.