After a long and valiant battle with Parkinson’s Disease, our beloved Ken passed away peacefully on November 20, 2019, in Bedford, TX. A lifelong resident of Southern California, Ken was born in Los Angeles on December 8, 1931, to Mack and Anita Rose, eventually sharing the family home with three brothers: Dick, Don and Bob.
Ken graduated from Los Angeles High in 1949 and proudly served in the United States Air Force as a crewman on a B-50 bomber. Upon completing his service, Ken followed his real passion for feeding people with a lifelong career in the catering business. Starting with a single truck “Koffee Ken’s,” he eventually built Certified Caterers, which comprised one of Southern California’s largest catering fleets. With his innovative Cinema Chef offshoot, he pioneered what would later evolve into the popular and successful gourmet catering truck concept.
Ken’s work ethic and ability to influence and serve people were unsurpassed. His passions included family, work, cars, entertaining and LA sports teams. Ken touched many lives with his enthusiasm, gregarious and caring personality and his unsurpassed business expertise.
Affectionately known as Papa, Ken is survived by his wife of 57 years Donna, brother Bob, daughter Michelle, son Jeff, stepdaughter Cathy and stepson Leonard. Sadly, Ken and Donna have suffered through the premature passing of two other sons, Mike and Ken Jr., both of whom are greatly missed by the family.
Our beloved Papa was also blessed with numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren that will carry his influence far and wide as his legacy lives on.
Visitation will be 1:00-2:00pm, Saturday, November 30, 2019 at Bluebonnet Hills Funeral Home, 5725 Colleyville Blvd, Colleyville, TX 76034.
Interment will follow at Bluebonnet Hills Memorial Park.
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