Kenneth Bess

Kenneth W. Bess, 91—nature lover, Navy deep-sea diver, and self-made CEO— was born July 23, 1932, in the depths of the Great Depression. He passed peacefully in his home on December 2, 2023, as always watching the birds. Other than his cabin in Henry Co., KY, and world travels for business and pleasure, he was never far from his birthplace by the Ohio River on “The Point”—now the Butchertown neighborhood in Louisville, KY.

Ken loved golfing, followed by a cut-throat gin game; at 23 he was already a golf pro at River Road Country Club. From 1957–1962, while working full time and raising a family, he acquired 80 hours in accounting and history at Indiana University S.E. He always regretted not graduating but became a powerhouse in the electrical design, build, and supply business. Over 63 years his projects ranged from Southeast Christian Church in Louisville to Humana hospitals throughout the U.S., and post offices in Beijing and Shenzhen, China. In 1965, at the age of 33, he purchased Peterson Electric Supply Co. When it sold in 2006, the business had expanded to three more locations in Louisville and southern Indiana.

He was a devoted board member on local, national, and international associations for electrical inspectors and distributors.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 65 years, Barbara Kincaid Bess; parents Mamie Etta Morrison and Walter Evans Bess; brothers Charles, Walter, and J. D. Bess. Survivors include daughters Karen Bess and Kim (Tom) Mracek and grandchildren Sarah Young and Katie (Blake) Terrell and their children. Surviving from his marriage to Barbara Edds Douglass (deceased) are children Kathy (Richard) Bramblett, Connie (George) Thompson, and Steven Scott (Kathy) Bess; and grandchildren Travis Bramblett, George Thompson III, Jennifer Thornsberry, Amy Thompson, Kenny Bess, Kelly Bess, Summer Lawson, and their children.

A memorial service will be held at Grace Immanuel UCC, 1612 Story Ave., on Saturday, January 6, at 10:00 AM, followed by a reception at the church. In lieu of flowers, consider a gift to the church at the above address or online at https://www.graceimmanuelucc.org.