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Kenneth LaFon

Kenneth LaFon

Veterans Funeral Care Kenneth LaFon

Kenneth Robert LaFon of Spring Hill, formerly of St. Petersburg, Florida lived a life of service and adventure. Born in Baltimore, Maryland on 15 September 1940, he was commissioned as an officer in the United States Air Force as an Aviation Cadet at Harlingen Air Station, Texas in 1961. It was there that he learned to love being in the air and flying. He began his aviation career as a navigator on C-37s flying missions over Vietnam with the 4th Air Commando Squadron, call sign "Spooky 32", supporting marines and Korean Special Forces. While he was away at a medical examination, his crew was lost over Vietnam and declared MIA. He never recovered from the loss of his crew and carried them with him until his last day.

Ken attended pilot training at Laredo AFB, Texas and created quite a stir. First when he attended a Civil Rights protest in Harlingen, Texas to bring his brother in law and civil rights leader, Demetrio (Danny) Lucio home at the request of his beloved mother in law, Juana Lucio. Unfortunately, in the confusion of the rally, they both ended up arrested by the Texas Rangers and it created a national stir to have an USAF officer in custody. Although Ken was a strong believer in the rights and dignity of all people, his priority was pilot training and his moment of fame was short lived at his and his command’s request. He was awarded the Commander’s Cup and created another controversy when he requested to be assigned to C-130 Search and Rescue (SAR) duty versus the more glamorous fighter planes. He spent the rest of his flying days helping his fallen comrades and teaching—a tribute to his crew. When his health required him to give up the flying he loved, he served as a Commander of the Security Police forces at Myrtle Beach AFB, SC and Clark AB, Philippines. He especially enjoyed working with the military K-9 handlers and dogs; it was a special stewardship to him to care for these very special dogs and personnel. Ken ended his Air Force Career at Little Rock AFB, Arkansas where he enjoyed helping the troops to unwind from the stresses of military life as a Morale, Welfare and Recreation Commander. Of his many Decorations and Medals these were included, Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal with 1 Silver Oak Leaf Cluster, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with Valor Device and 1 Silver Oak Leaf Cluster, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal with 1 Bronze Star and, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Device.

Once retired, Ken continued his many adventures. During his Air Force career, he loved to hunt and fish and was known on many piers, hunting blinds and skeet shooting clubs as the "Colonel". He was quite a marksman and has many trophies and commendations to prove his skill including the Far East/Pacific Champion for small arms. Not content to participate in mainstream sports, he fished for shark off the coasts of South Carolina and Florida, hunted wild boar on the east coast and wild game in Texas and California. He didn’t keep his feet on the ground after leaving military flying, he built and flew his own ultra light aircraft and enjoyed the freedom he felt in the air. Of all his travels, his favorite trips were to the state of Alaska and he raved about its natural beauty until the end.

After retiring, Ken still served his community as a math teacher at Shorecrest Private Academy. He enjoyed helping young minds to open up to the world of academia and was admired by his students. He also worked as a pit boss at Seminole casino and found the games invigorating. Ken was a complicated man with many gifts. Ken had a keen, analytical mind and enjoyed playing poker all through his life. From Vietnam to every assignment and retirement, there was always a deck of cards at the ready—"never leave home without your kicker."

He is preceded in death by his loving father, Kenneth Albert LaFon and is survived by his devoted mother, Enola Carol LaFon, his loving sister Elizabeth L. Flack Hoffman and her husband Les Hoffman and his caring wife Phyllis VanDenBurg LaFon (Flip), all of Florida. They were with him daily in his battle with cancer and he loved them deeply. Ken also leaves behind a large adoring clan of children, grandchildren, and a great grandson, as well as, nieces and nephews who loved and admired him. His surviving children and their families are daughters, Michelle LaFon W. Robertson (Mike) and her husband Gordon Robertson along with their four children, Alison Jay Robertson, William Buck Waldrop, III, Thomas Richard Robertson, and Elizabeth Victoria Robertson, all of Hampton, Virginia; JoAnn LaFon Wechter (Jo) and Brady Fisher and their children, Nicole Soledad Wechter and her son (his great grandson) Hunter Michael Wechter, Maria Kathleen Wechter, Morgan Paige Fisher, Kalyn Leigh Fisher and Dayton Allan Fisher, all of Safety Harbor, Florida; and his daughters’ mother Maria Soledad Lucio LaFon (Chole’), Florida; his son, who he was so proud of Robert Richards LaFon and his mother Milagros Tating LaFon of Florida; his stepchildren, Vicki VanDenBurg, John VanDenBurg, and Joe VanDenBurg; his step grandchildren Heather, Johnny, Miriah, Joey and Sarah all of whom were great support to both their mother, Phyllis and Ken.

Ken’s two year battle with cancer was particularly difficult and he and Phyllis were very grateful for the loving support of many medical professionals and family. Noteworthy to them both, was the support of Manuel (Meme) and Gloria Beccerra and Catarino (Rod) and Ramona (Moni) Rodrigues all of San Benito, Texas, Victoria Irma Gibbs, Rachel Alvarez (Squirrel) and Enrique Torres (Kito) all of Aurora, Illinois. Their phone calls of love were most precious to him.

Kenneth was baptized on 29 October 2008 and found peace that day as he joined his fallen crewmembers. He will be buried with military honors at a ceremony on Friday, 7 November 2008 at 2:30pm at the Florida National Cemetery. Condolences and flowers may be sent to the family through the Veterans Funeral Care, 15381 Roosevelt Blvd, Clearwater, Florida 33760.
 

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