Kenneth Lee Soules

Kenneth Lee Soules, 77, passed away, Tuesday, June 29, at Yakima Valley Memorial Hospital. He was born Kenneth Lee Wilson on August 3rd, 1943 in Tacoma, Washington. In 1948, he moved to Yakima with his mother who later married Charles Soules.

Ken grew up in Yakima, attended Yakima schools, including Davis High School. After high school, he attended Columbia Basin College in Pasco, WA where he trained in welding. He then worked for various manufacturing companies as far away as Colorado. He later moved to Bremerton, WA where he worked for the Bremerton Naval Shipyard for 25 years. He retired in 2005 and returned to Yakima to be near family.

In retirement, Ken volunteered for the Union Gospel Mission and the local food bank. He was a devout Christian and attended various churches with his family, and later Chapel at Orchard Park where he resided. However, he always considered Christ Lutheran Church to be his home church.

He enjoyed photography, playing pool, and music (he had quite a large collection of CD's); and collecting quality pieces of art and accent pieces for his home. He dearly loved his family. Getting together for the holidays and summer barbecues were among his favorite past-times.

On first impression, Ken seemed quiet and reserved, but he had a wealth of knowledge about subjects that he learned from watching documentaries. He could keep a very interesting conversation going at the dinner table. He had a keen memory about certain details, such as where the car was parked when no one else could remember; how to leave a large building and find his way back, along with passwords and combinations from years earlier.

The family would like to thank Pastor John from Christ Lutheran Church for his compassion and prayers and being there with Ken while he passed.

Ken was preceded in death by his parents, Charles (Chuck) and Mary Soules. He is survived by his brother, Gene (Diana) Soules of Yakima, WA; Linda (Andy) Swendig of Spokane, WA; and Bob (Nancy) Soules of Yakima, WA, along with nieces, nephews; great-nieces and great-nephews and cousins.

An informal graveside service will be held on Friday, July 16, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. at Tahoma Cemetery, 1802 Tahoma Avenue, Yakima, WA. Arrangements are by Keith and Keith Funeral Home, Yakima, WA.