Kenneth D Bliss

Kenneth D. Bliss, 80, of Wolf Hollow Road, Glenville, died peacefully Saturday, June 17th at home surrounded by his loving family, who remain ever grateful for the many gifts he gave among them the powerful lessons in courage and grace he shared in his final days. Ken was, above all, generous, compassionate, and duty bound, a man with an exuberant embrace of life as well as the people around him.

Born, May 21, 1937, in Stuyvesant, NY, Ken was the son of the late Giles and Alice (Cripe) Bliss. The youngest of five, Ken is survived by his sisters, Jeanette Hunter (Jim), of Rotterdam, and Mary Rhodes (Bruce) of Rochester; and his brothers, Floyd Bliss (Barbara) of Palm Bay, FL, and Donald Bliss of Buffalo.

Following his graduation from Waterville High School in 1955, Ken enlisted in the United States Air Force at 17. Not long after, on April 2nd, 1960, he married his loving and devoted wife, Marie (Schultz) from Glenville, who survived him together with their three children, Steven Bliss (Lauralee) of Charlottesville, VA, Kathy Bliss (Christopher McEnroe) of Marion, MA, and Curt Nehring Bliss (Nani) of Middlesex, NY. Ken reveled in the strength and love of family, including his four grandchildren, Joshua Bliss, and Aidan, Maeve, and Aila McEnroe; and many dear nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Ken served his country with honor as an air traffic controller in the USAF for twenty-two years, retiring in the grade of Senior Master Sergeant in 1977. He served in Vietnam during wartime, and in Japan, Okinawa, Alaska, and many bases within the United States. His military decorations include a Bronze Star, the Meritorious Service Medal, three Commendation Medals, numerous service medals, the Vietnamese Honor Medal (Second Class), and the Vietnamese Technical Service Medal. A passionate Christian who lived the Word, Ken was a licensed minister through the International Ministers Fellowship. He served on the advisory board of International Accelerated Missions and ministered to (among others) combat veterans, prison inmates, and nursing home residents. He worked with Christ The King Spiritual Life Center as a prayer team member and facilitator in the School of Healing Prayer. He also served as a Hospice volunteer for fifteen years. Ken looked to God with intense humility and served in His name by reaching out to others and encouraging, celebrating, helping, and, when necessary, even carrying them.

Calling Hours will be from 9 a.m.to 11 a.m. on Thursday, June 22, at Bekkering-Ellis Funeral Home. Services will be at 11 a.m. followed by a burial at Glenville Cemetery. A celebration of Ken's life will immediately follow and give family and friends a chance to share stories, songs, and prayers as well as raise one last glass to toast Ken—the devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, son, uncle, cousin, friend, neighbor, minister and faithful servant.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to The Community Hospice, 295 Valley View Blvd., Rensselaer, NY 12144 or The Welcome Home Initiative: A Program for Combat Veterans, 1340 N. Great Neck Rd. #1272-137, Virginia Beach, VA 23454-2268.

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