Kenneth Charles Suhler

“Daddy Ken” was born on September 10th, 1930 in a farmhouse near Raymond, Kansas. True to a life shaped by service, Ken entered the Army in 1951 and served with distinction in Korea as chief of a howitzer section. He returned home in 1954 to marry the love of his life, Ernestene Ryan (with whom he recently celebrated 70 years of marriage). Ken re-entered active duty in 1964, rising through the ranks to captain in 1965, deploying to Vietnam as a field artillery battery commander in 1968, and returning stateside in 1969. He earned his Business Administration degree from the University of Texas El Paso, and his MBA from Webster University. Ken retired as full colonel from his final assignment to Fort Sam Houston on the last day of 1982. He soon returned to service and Fort Sam as a GS-11, where he remained for 15 years. In retirement, Ken traveled through the US and to Japan, South Africa, and Vietnam.

Ken is survived by wife Ernestene; son Charles and his wife Tammy of Austin; daughter Lisa and her husband Sam of Columbus, Georgia; son Ray and his husband Stuart of Los Angeles; grandchildren Robert Suhler, Ryan Laskowski, and Emily Laskowski; “adopted” loved ones Claudia Cordon, Crystal Cabrera, and César Parra; and many loving extended-family members and friends.

Ken’s humor was sharp, his love boundless, and his wisdom grounding. He kept challenges in perspective with quiet resolve, famously asking “Is anyone dead yet?” A steadfast provider, defender, and cornerstone to his family, Ken lives on in the hearts of the many who knew him well. We love you, Dad, and miss you deeply.

Viewing will take place on Wednesday, December 18th from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Sunset Memorial Park & Funeral Home, 1701 Austin Hwy, San Antonio, TX 78218. Services follow on Thursday the 19th at 9 a.m., also at Sunset Memorial. Burial immediately follows services, at 10:30 a.m. at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery, 1520 Harry Wurzbach Rd, San Antonio, TX 78209, Shelter 3.