Kenneth McKethan was a native North Carolinian from Fayetteville (Cumberland County). Ken was born on December 1, 1918, to D.A. and Rebecca McKethan of the 71st township. Ken had 1 brother and 4 sisters. He attended 71st School, Louisburg College, and NC State University. Ken entered military service on 17 Jun 1941. Before his overseas deployment, Kenneth married Elizabeth Trawick on 1 February 1943. Following his August 1944 arrival in Europe, he was attached to the 67th Armored Regiment, 2nd Armored Division. Kenneth separated from the Army of the United States on 07 Jan 1946. He was a father to 3 sons; Sandy, James, and Robert. Kenneth taught agriculture and horticulture at 71st High School for the entirety of his teaching career. For 10 years after retirement, he taught horticulture to exceptional children at Walker Spivey School. He was a lifelong member of McPherson Presbyterian Church in Fayetteville, N.C. He served, acting upon his commitment to Jesus Christ, McPherson Church as a deacon, elder, and a member of various committees. Ken passed away at Hope Mills Retirement Center in Hope Mills, N.C. on March 18, 2011.
2nd Platoon, Company H, 3rd Battalion, 67th Armored Regiment, 2nd Armored Division
Source: McKethan Family Archives
Click on Silver Star Silver Sand...a poem about Kenneth's last night in the hospital. Kenneth's graveside service included military honors. At the end of the service, a member of the honor guard was supposed to play Taps. By mistake, he played Reveille!!! Kenneth's boys found no issue with this mistake since at the moment of his earthly death, he was awake in Heaven.
One of Kenneth's many testaments of his faith is found in a 15 November 1944 letter to his wife, Elizabeth: Since we've been married (1 February 1943), I too have discovered that there is much more to living than material things. Our love for each other and the faith we have in each other and God make life really worth living. And it grows more and more every minute!