1945 - 2013
Kenneth Vincent Laguens, CTRC, US Navy (Ret.) age 68, went home to be with the Lord on Monday, October 14, 2013, following a brave 5 month battle with cancer. He lived his life as a devoted husband, a loving father, a wonderful grandfather, an exceptional friend to many, and a proud Chief in the US Navy.
Ken was born in San Francisco, CA, on April 4, 1945 to Earl Robert Laguens and Muriel Scharetg Laguens. He spent his school years in Calistoga, CA, and graduated in 1963. His Navy career began in 1964 with training at Corey Station, Pensacola, to become a Cryptologic Technician and ended 20 years later (1984) back at Corey where he taught that same A-school class to new young sailors. In-between, Ken served on ships that included the USS Muller and the USS Midway, and was stationed in Germany, Panama, Kamisaya Japan, NSA in Fort Meade, MD, Okinawa, and Misawa Japan.
Ken finished his education by earning an Associate Degree in Business from Anandale Community College in VA (1976) and his Bachelors Degree in Business and Finance from the University of West Florida in Pensacola (1986). He used this degree to work at Consumer Credit Counseling Service and Members First Credit Union before returning to Corey Station, Pensacola, as an instructor for the IT course on base. His final career move was to NAS Pensacola as the lead instructor for the PFM course to teach about finances to active duty service men and women before retiring in 2012. He also owned and operated Ken's Lawn Service here in the Pensacola community.
Ken was an active member of Myrtle Grove United Methodist Church, and his hobbies included golfing, playing tennis, and doing woodworking projects in his backyard shop. He enjoyed traveling with his family and during the last 7 years cherished his time as Papa to his two beautiful grandchildren as often as possible.
Ken is preceded in death by his parents, Earl and Muriel Laguens; his father-in-law John Pesco; his brother-in-law Steve Pesco; and numerous aunts and uncles. He is survived by his wife of 37 years, Carol Pesco Laguens; his children, Beth and Tom Carter of Lakeland FL, and Kathy and Trey Haddock of Pensacola FL; his grandchildren, Sydney and Austin Carter; his brother Bob (Debbi) Laguens of HI; his sister, Lynn (Jim) Schmidt of OR; nephew and niece, Simon and Christina Laguens of CA; mother-in-law, Dorothy Pesco; brother-in-law Jim (Juanita) Pesco; sister-in-law, Judy (Roger) Coins; and nephew, Richard Piet.
The family wishes to express their heartfelt appreciation to Dr. Dissanayake and the nursing staff at Sacred Heart Cancer Center and West Florida Hospital; Pastor Riley Richardson and our church family (especially the Lifestyle Sunday School Class) at Myrtle Grove United Methodist Church; and our wonderful team of caregivers from Covenant Hospice, Pensacola. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to MGUMC or the American Cancer Society .
Visitation will be held at Oak Lawn Funeral Home (State Room) on Thursday, October 17, 2013 from 5pm to 7pm. A Celebration of Life will be held at Myrtle Grove UMC on Friday, October 18, 2013 at 1pm. Inurnment will take place at Barrancas National Cemetery on Monday, December 23, 2013 at 11am with full military honors. Oak Lawn Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements.
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