Kenneth "Ken" J. McPherson

Shingleton

Kenneth “Ken” J. McPherson, age 94, of Shingleton, died Sunday, April 1, 2018 at the D.J. Jacobetti Home for Veterans in Marquette.  He was born on May 18, 1923 in Emerson, Manitoba, Canada to the late James “Shorty” and Daisy (Saunders) McPherson.  Weeks later, Ken’s family moved to the Upper Peninsula and settled on the family homestead on the Star Siding, before the Seney Stretch was built.  As a young man, Ken would help his father care for their animals, and would hunt to help feed his and his neighboring families.  He graduated from William G. Mather High School in 1942 and then entered into the U.S. Army.  Ken began in anti-aircraft artillery and became an instructor for officer training. He later was moved to heavy ordnance and was stationed in New Guinea.  Ken was honorably discharged in April 1946 and was awarded the American Theater and Asiatic-Pacific Theater Service Medals with two Overseas Service Bars, and the Good Conduct Medal.  On July 14, 1946, he married Dorothy Worthing and together they raised their family.  Ken started working as a logger and then at Shingleton Oil (Texaco Station).  He started his own auto repair and small engine shop, and in 1955 he built Ken’s Sales in Shingleton.  Later in life, Ken worked at the Wood Island Landfill, and would meet everyone with a smile and a wave at the scales.  He retired from there at the age of 86.

Ken loved to talk.  With his gift of gab, he would share the history and stories of our area and family traditions.  He was passionate about community service and sat on many boards and committees.  Ken was also a volunteer E.M.T. and worked with search and rescue.  He and Dorothy enjoyed playing and running many B.I.N.G.O. games in Wetmore and at the SRC building in Shingleton.  Ken was a member of the Munising Alger Sports Club.

He is survived by his sons – Don (Lou) McPherson of Phoenix, AZ, Steve McPherson of Shingleton, Larry (Jeannie) McPherson of Denver, CO, and Wayne (Joan) McPherson of Sacramento, CA; their granddaughter that they raised as a daughter – Shannon (Rob) McPherson-Payne of Tampa, FL; grandchildren – Ashley, Afton, Brook, Steven, Neil, Nicholas, Kenny, Joey, Christian, Wendy, Emily, and Robby; numerous great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; sister – Sharron Keeley; sisters-in-law –Marlene McPherson; and numerous nieces and nephews.  Ken was preceded in death by wife Dorothy, parents Shorty and Daisy, daughter-in-law Diana McPherson, and siblings Fred, Orvil, Edwin, Pearl and Bernice.

A graveside service will be Monday, July 9, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. at the Maple Grove Cemetery in Munising where the American Legion and Vietnam Veteran Honor Guards will conduct military honors followed by committal prayers by Pastor Jason LaFlamme.