Kenneth Fales

Kenneth Fales, 89, born on December 11, 1933, in Waukegan, IL, United States, passed away August 10, 2023. He resided in Lakewood, CA at the time of his passing. Arrangements are under the care of Forest Lawn, Cypress, CA.

Ken was preceded in death by his wife, Paula, and survived by son, Jonathan, daughter-in-law, Leah, and his grandchild, Sarah. He is also survived by his sister, Lynne from Greeley Colorado and his brother, Craig from Naples, Florida, and several neices and nephews.

Ken was born Kenneth Sands. Ken's father, Granville Sands, passed away when Ken was a young child. His mother, Lillian Morris, later married Frank Willard Fales. When Ken was adopted his name was changed to Kenneth Granville Sands Fales. Ken was the oldest of the three siblings who grew up in Waukegan Illinois.

He went to Colorado College in Colorado Springs, where he enrolled in the ROTC program and earned his degree in English Literature. He was a member of the Phi Delta Theta fraternity.

After college, Ken was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the US Army . He was a paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne at Fort Bragg NC, where he was promoted to 1st Lieutenant.

As a young man, he engaged in various occupations: working in lumber, railroad, and driving tours up Cheyenne Mountain and Pikes Peak in Colorado.

Eventually, he made his way to Los Angeles, California in search of employment. He met his wife, Paula K. Prough, and settled down in Lakewood CA. He worked at Division 12 of the MTA/RTD for many years as a bus driver and then a dispatcher until he retired.

He lived an active life. He rode his bicycle to work and back down the Los Angeles river, often at night. After he retired, he continued to ride his bike for pleasure and fitness.

He was a quiet man who loved and cared for his family. He was an original thinker, artistic, humorous, and a meticulous organizer.

A great man has left the world. We will always love him and admire him.