Kenneth Rathburn

KEN RATHBURN IDAHO FALLS, ID -- Kenneth Edgar “Eddie” Rathburn, 78, of Idaho Falls, died August 22, 2009, at his home of natural causes. He was under the care of Hands of Hope Hospice. Ken was born March 11, 1931, in Denver, Colorado, to Ruben Edgar Rathburn and Bertha Pauline Magdalene Jessen Rathburn. He spent his early years in Welch and Beckley, West Virginia, and Englewood, Colorado, where he graduated from high school. He also attended the Military Weather School and the University of Maryland Extension for Military. He was previously married to Patricia Jean Brassfield of Englewood, Colorado, and Vila B. Hall of Idaho Falls. He was married to Anna Ruth Reedy of Beckley, West Virginia, from December, 1952, to May, 1987. Four daughters were born to them. Ken was a career military man and served in during both the Korea and Vietnam War eras. He retired from the United States Air Force as a Master Sergeant after 22 years active service and four years in the reserves. He served in the Civil Air Patrol from 1945-1946. He worked as an Airborne Parachutist, cook, weather forecaster, and Management Engineer Specialist. Following his military career, he worked for the Idaho Department of Agriculture as a Weights & Measures Inspector and Compliance Officer, and for the United States Postal Service as a rural route carrier. He was a hospice volunteer at Good Samaritan Society in Idaho Falls and was a lifetime member of the American Legion. He enjoyed fishing, rafting the Snake River, camping, and skiing. The family would like to give special thanks to Joy Preece of Idaho Falls for her dedication and loving care during Ken’s last few years. She brought him so much happiness, as did his granddaughter, Tina McBurney of Pingree, Idaho. We’d also like to thank his neighbors, Evelyn and Larry Miller, for their many years of friendship. Also, thanks to Susan of Hands of Hope Hospice for her amazing ability to connect to Ken and provide him care and dignity during his last days. Survivors include: Daughter: Anna Louise Proctor, Phelan, CA Daughter: Lynn Rathburn Niebuhr, Kennewick, WA Daughter: Angela Christine Rathburn, Tucson, AZ Brother: Robert V. Rathburn, Denver, CO Sister: Shirlee R. Luizzo, Cleveland, OH Sister: Nola Jean Rathburn, Ferrum, VA Sister: Mary E. Williams, Denver, CO 9 Grandchildren & 8 Great Grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and a daughter, Martha “Martee” Pauline Thomas. Funeral Services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, August 27, 2009, at Wood Funeral Home, 273 N. Ridge, with Larry Miller officiating. A viewing will be held Thursday for one hour prior to the services at Wood Funeral Home. Burial will be in the Rose Hill Cemetery under the direction of Wood Funeral Home. Military Rites will be performed by the Bonneville County Veterans Team. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to a Hospice or charity of your choice. ---------------------------------------------------- Condolences received online: Rodger and Carol Jensen We were saddened to read about your father. We knew his health wasn't good but it's still a shock... Our daughter and her family live in the same circle as he did and we got to talk to him a lot over the years when we were there visiting our kids. Please know we care and express our sympathy and love to all of you at this tender time... Remember that memories are the legacy of love. Shirlee, Mike & Joy Liuzzo joyliuzzo@gmail.com Shirlee has told us such wonderful stories about her brother Eddie and I always enjoyed visits to Idaho Falls. In later years, I fondly remember the long phone conversations - Eddie had a way with a story. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Love, Mike, Shirlee & Joy Liuzzo Heinrich, Gary, Michelle Gerdes, Mitchel & Chelsie Holmes g-gerdes@hotmail.com Many condolences from all of us. Ken was a good man and loved his family. We know he will always be remembered by all of us. Susan Ball bradball49@cableone.net I was saddened to read of Ken's death. He was a character. I will miss cutting his hair and hearing all of his funny stories. He always brought me a Symphony candy bar. He was a great guy and I am extremely sorry for your loss.