Kenneth Howard (Ken) Womble, 81, of Hayden Lake, left this world on Sept. 7, 2016. He was born on Jan. 29, 1935, to Sybil (Preslar) and Fred Womble in Orange County, Calif.

In 1954, Ken, a Navy man at the time, met and fell in love with Eiko Houchi. In August of this year, they celebrated 61 years of marriage. Ken and Eiko had a wonderful life and marriage and grew ever closer as their time together grew short. Eiko will be with him soon … She always made him wait “about seven more minutes.”

The family would like to make a special dedication to the youngest daughter, Ruth, who has cared for Ken and Eiko for these past 10 years. They would also like to recognize all the help, love and support, from Evie and her family, granddaughter Felecia and grandson John in particular.

Ken served in the U.S. Navy as a Seabee and was discharged honorably as a Chief Petty Officer in 1970 after 20 years of service. He entered the service at 16 years of age and liked to say he grew up all over the world. He loved the work he did as a Seabee, constructing roads and running heavy equipment. He always felt lucky to be able to earn a living doing something he truly enjoyed.

After Ken left the Navy, he went on to graduate with his associate’s degree from North Idaho College, but eventually made his way back to his true passion, building roads and running heavy equipment. He worked with fellow retired Seabees building roads in Idaho, Montana and California. He counts those talented men as his close friends to this day.

Ken fell in love with the Coeur d’Alene area after one visit and moved there with his family in 1970. He eventually moved to his home in Hayden in 1975 and lived there until his passing. He enjoyed fishing, camping and travel. He and Eiko traveled the world and would often winter in South America.

Ken is survived by the love of his life, Eiko; daughters Pauline Sanders (John) of Rathdrum, Evie Scrabeck (Brian) of Hayden, Cathy Manusia (Mike) of Chino Hills, Calif., and Ruth Womble of Hayden. He loved all of his eight grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren dearly and that love was returned to grumpy grandpa tenfold. He was preceded in death by his parents and all of his siblings but one, his sister, Val. He especially missed his brother and best friend, Dude, and his sister, Yo, who was like a mother to him. He was close to his nieces and nephews and they loved their Uncle Kenny.

Family was everything to Ken and those who were lucky enough to be in that circle, were truly blessed. Ken’s dedication to friends and family, honesty, integrity and work ethic, all are shining examples of what a good man and father should be. He will be greatly missed by those he left behind.

A celebration of Ken’s life will be determined at a later time. Yates Funeral Home has been entrusted with the care of final arrangements.