Kenneth Wayne Clouse, 77, passed away peacefully on April 27, 2024. He was born during a blustery snowstorm in Lansing, Michigan on March 30, 1947 to the delighted parents of Lily Louise (Killebrew) and Jack Ralph Clouse. He grew up, as boys are known to do, playing sports and adventuring with his protective older siblings. After graduating from Eastern High School in Lansing in 1966, he married Penny LaJean Backer and had two daughters, Alisyn Penny and Sheila Renee. After the couple’s disunion, Ken was fortunate to have found the love of his life in Catherine Jane Postel, whom he married in a beautiful ceremony on April 24, 1976 in Davenport, Iowa. They had one daughter, Kimberly Anne.
A natural-born businessman, Ken launched his career as a credit sales manager for Goodyear in 1966. There was nothing he did not know about tires. With dedication and hard work, he was able to open his own Goodyear store, Clouse Car Care Center in Sanford, Florida, which he operated for over 20 years. During that time, he built lasting friendships with his employees and many of his customers, as he had never met a stranger and was always ready with a smile and a helping hand.
Having a generous spirit, he was immersed in his community, volunteering many hours in various organizations, including his church. He valued time spent caring for his lawn and being outdoors. It was not a rare sight for his neighbors to see him happily toiling away on their own yards, which earned him the nickname “Yard Rambo.”
He enjoyed 1960s music and traveling in his RV to visit family and friends. Anyone who knew him can attest that he was an extremely proud father and grandfather. He loved to share advice, stories, and a good laugh with anyone and everyone.
He is survived by his bride of 48 years, Cathy of Deltona, FL; daughters, Alisyn Friederich of Colorado Springs, CO; Sheila (Troy) Crawford of Perry, MI; and Kim (Joe) Jerkins of Deland, FL; siblings, Kay Humphrey of Boiceville, NY; Linda Smith of Laingsburg, MI; Judy Hammond of Lansing, MI; and Larry (Regina) Clouse of Grand Rapids, MI; 6 grandchildren; 2 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Walter “Lee” Taylor.
A memorial service will be held on June 1 at 10:30 a.m. at First Church Deland, 115 E. Howry Avenue, Deland, Florida 32724.
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