Kenneth passed away at home with compassionate support from employees at Oak Pointe of Monett & Compassus Hospice on 4/20/2021. He was 92 years old. Kenneth was born in Forsyth Michigan on 11/23/1928, and lived the majority of his early life in Little Lake, MI.

Ken joined the Navy when he was 20, and travelled the world. He earned 2 Bronze stars, and 6 Good Conduct Medals, Navy Occupation Medal, and the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal. During his service Ken achieved the rank of Machinist's Mate Senior Chief Petty Officer. He retired active duty after 20 years and transferred to the Navy Reserves for his final 10 years before discharge.

Ken finished 2 years of education at City College in San Diego, after which he began employment in the private sector, first at Motorola in Arizona, followed by 15 years at Huber Construction as the Shop Superintendent. He retired to Purdy, Missouri where he bought land and started a Goat Ranch which he worked for 20 years. He eventually moved to Monett, Missouri where he finally enjoyed retirement and fishing for the next 20 years.

Kenneth was preceded in death by his parents Eugene & Ida Gauthier; and his siblings: Rena Lane, Effie Larsen, Joyce Larsen, Robert Gauthier, Benjamin Gauthier, William Gauthier, and Allen Gauthier, as well as two wives, Syble and Colleen.

Kenneth is survived by 4 children: Sandra Jackson, Sheila Chavez and husband Celso, Barry Gauthier and wife Janice, and Patricia Jackson and husband Mark. He is also survived by 8 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. In this life, there would never be enough time. He was loved dearly and will be missed without end.

He is also survived by a large family in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, whose love and relationships sustained him through his latter years. He remained a life member of the American Legion Post 349, of Little Lake, MI.

The family would like to thank Carl Moore, who has been like a grandson, for his companionship and support. Tom and Sharon VanDerhoef for their enduring friendship and countless deeds of kindness. Bonnie Weatherly, his friend and neighbor for many years, our gratitude. And to the family of Margaret Kerr, his friend and companion prior to her passing, for their acceptance and inclusion. You brightened his life.

Fair Winds and Following Seas Dad.

Cremation arrangements are under the direction of the White Funeral Home and Crematory, Cassville, Missouri.