Colonel Kenneth "Ken" Galbreath

Colonel Kenneth Galbreath, 79, of Alexandria, passed away peacefully at home on May 26, 2025. Ken was born to Charles T. and Helen M. (Newbold) Galbreath in New Castle, PA on June 11, 1945; he loved to tell stories about his antics on the farm with his brothers, Ron, who preceded him in death, Tom, and his “chosen” brother Robert Williams who both survive.

Ken served with distinction in the U.S. Army over a decades-long career. He was drafted into the Army in September 1966 and reported to Fort Jackson, South Carolina, for basic training. After completing Advanced Infantry Training and Officer Candidate School, he served with the 3rd Infantry Division in Germany, where he also met his wife Judith “Judy” Bungarz, who survives.

Upon returning stateside, Ken graduated from Geneva College and started his teaching and coaching career in the Linesville, PA school system. Here the family made many lifelong friends. Ken joined the reserves, and rose to the rank of Major, where he commanded the Quartermaster unit in Farrell, PA. The highlight of this period was the selection of the 347th QM CO as the ROA’s Best Small Unit in the United States.

Ken's military career was marked by continuous advancement and recognition. The family moved to the Washington, D.C. area in 1984 where Ken started his active duty service in the Logistics Division of OCAR at the Pentagon. He served in key positions including Chief of Staff for Army Program Analysis and Evaluation Directorate, and was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel. He attained the rank of Colonel in 1992 and served a brief stint in St. Louis before returning to the Pentagon. He retired in 1996 and continued to work as a consultant for the military over the following decade.

Ken was active in the Aldersgate United Methodist Church in Alexandria, VA where he spearheaded an annual golf outing to raise money for mission projects. Ken was honored when the church re-named this event the “UMM Ken Galbreath Golf Tournament” this past year. “Kenny G” had a knack for staying in touch with friends and family both near and far. With a joke always ready to tell, he brought laughter and joy to any gathering. “Pop Pop” was intentional about staying connected to his family and grandchildren, and for many years he arranged a trip to Florida to spend time with loved ones.

Ken is also survived by his three daughters: Debra (Patrick) Allen of Ada, OH; Kristin (Darryl) Draper of Silver Spring, MD; and Darcie Galbreath (Wesley Marshall) of Waldorf, MD. He is also survived by 11 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Alzheimer’s research. http://bit.ly/3ZGYh7l

Services will be held at Aldersgate United Methodist Church in Alexandria, VA on Saturday, June 14, 2025 at 4pm.