William Kenneth (Ken) Walters

William Kenneth (Ken) Walters 51, of Sherwood Arkansas, passed away on August 22, 2018 after a long, eight-month hospitalization resulting from complications following surgery.

Ken was born October 30, 1966 in Quincy, IL, the son of Ora Kenneth and Martha Mae (Stribling) Walters. He was united in marriage on August 07, 2018 to James Gangluff while a patient UAMS. James survives, He had one brother, Ora Gene Walters and two sisters Susan Carol (Walters) Rudloff and Sharon (Walters) Williams. Ken was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Gene and sister Susan. He is survived by his husband, James Gangluff of Sherwood, his faithful fur baby companions, Molly and Norman, sister Sharon of Hot Springs, three nieces, an aunt, uncle, several cousins and many friends.

Ken grew up in Canton, Missouri and was active in choir and drama club during high school. Many did not know that Ken was blessed with perfect pitch. If he heard a song on the radio he could sit down at the piano and play it flawlessly. When Ken was younger he would write plays and perform them in full costume for his family and friends. He had a love for DJ-ing and DJ'd in numerous dance clubs for twenty years in Missouri and Arkansas. 

Ken began working as a CNA at Lewis County Nursing in Canton, MO and continued a career in healthcare which brought him to Hot Springs, Arkansas to be near his sister in 1992. He became the Director of Assisted Living at Crown Trace Senior Center in Hot Springs. In 2000 and remained there until he became ill and was forced into early retirement  in 2011. ken was extremely quick-witted, had the biggest heart and always made his patients feel loved by providing them with the best care possible.

Anyone that knew Ken, knew he as a "superfan" of Lucille Ball. His dream to visit her home in Jamestown, NY came true not once, but twice in his life. He participated in a Lucy trivia contest while there and won. During one of his Jamestown visits he was elated to meet Lucy Arnaz, Lucille Ball's daughter. His home contain many Lucy prints  and "I Love Lucy" collector's memorabilia. Ken created a Lucy Fun  Page  on Facebook that had nearly 500 followers by the end of the first day. To date there are thousands of followers.

Ken was a dog lover. He adopted many dogs over the years, but the senior dogs in kennels held a special place in his heart. When he loved in Hot Springs, Ken volunteered at the Garland County Humane Society where he would help exercise the dogs. He did this until he became disabled in 2011.

Ken went back to work part time in 2015 and continued until the summer of 2017 as a cashier at WallMart. he was loved by his many customers and the manager received unending compliments about Ken's personality, smile and care to his customers.

Ken attended Open Door Community Church in Sherwood, Arkansas and he loved his church family. Every Sunday that he was able, he watched live streaming of their service. He gained hope and strength from their visits to the hospital, but his Pastor, Randy Eddy-McCain was a true inspiration to Ken.

Those close to Ken watched him grow spiritually and saw how much he loved the Lord. Time and time again we witnessed his unbelievable amount of strength to battle the pain and the hurdles thrown at him on a daily basis. His sweet demeanor was a true testimony to his doctors, nurses and staff of the love he had for Christ.

Ken spent twenty-two years with his husband, James Gangluff and was proud of their home in Sherwood where he lived with their two fur babies, Molly and Norman. James was with Ken nearly every night for Ken's entire eight month hospital stay he refused to leave his side unless Ken was experiencing a good day.

Ken's life will be celebrated on Friday, September 14, at 7:00 p.m. at the Open Door Community Church, 709 W. Lee Avenue, Sherwood, AR. 72120. Memorials can be made in Ken's name to ODCC.

Wilson Robison Funeral Home of England, Arkansas will be in charge of the arrangements.

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