Kenneth Jackson Denman Jr

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He came into everyone’s life with laughter, and he left the same way.

Kenneth Jackson Denman Jr., known to many as Ken, passed away on September 4, 2026, in Cartersville, Georgia. He was born on March 25, 1959, in Omaha, Nebraska. A proud veteran, devoted teacher, beloved husband, father, son, brother, and friend, Ken will be remembered for the laughter he brought into the lives of others and for the warmth with which he met the world.

Ken served his country with distinction in the United States Air Force for 29 years, retiring with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. During his military career, he fought in the Global War on Terrorism and earned the Meritorious Service Medal. His commitment to service continued beyond retirement through the Troops to Teachers Program, where he became a Math, Science, and STEM teacher. Teaching children gave him a deep sense of pride, and he enjoyed it immensely.

He embraced life with enthusiasm and a generous spirit. Ken was a jokester who never met a stranger, and he was known as a storyteller to anyone who would listen. He never spoke harshly, and those who knew him will remember a man whose presence brought ease, joy, and laughter. One friend shared it well: he came into everyone’s life with laughter, and he left the same way.

Ken enjoyed many passions throughout his life. He was an enthusiastic fan of Clemson football, Duke basketball, and the NFL Rams. Every year, with confidence and good humor, he would say, “The Rams are going to win the Super Bowl!” He loved to travel and visited more than 140 countries, and his family fondly remembers how he could connect nearly every destination with a place to eat there. He truly loved good food, and that delight was part of the way he experienced the world. He also loved golf and enjoyed going to the casino to play poker.

Above all, Ken treasured his family. He is survived by his wife, Kathy, with whom he shared 10 blissful years of marriage. He is also survived by his mother, Sarah Denman. His family continues in the lives of his children and their families: Lexie Dosker and Justin; Kenneth Jackson Denman III; Blake Denman; Jackson Denman; Reyna Denman; Sydney Denman; Ava Denman; Alex Del Castillo and Heather; Sarah Ledford; and Isabel Morris. He is also survived by his sisters, Elizabeth Robinson and her husband Geoff, and Rebecca Denman; as well as his grandchildren, extended family and many friends. He was preceded in death by his father, Kenneth Jackson Denman Sr., and by his sister, Susan Denman Gladden.

A graveside service will be held at Georgia National Cemetery in Canton, Georgia, located at 1080 Scott Hudgens Dr, Canton, GA 30114.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Acworth VFW at 4764 Cobb Pkwy NW, Acworth, GA 30101.

Ken lived fully, served honorably, loved deeply, and left behind memories filled with humor, stories, travel, loyalty, and love. He will be dearly missed and lovingly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him.