Kenneth R. McPherson Sr.

Kenneth R. McPherson Sr., 90, of Enola left Thornwald Home in Carlisle to meet his Heavenly Father on Tuesday, June 13, 2023. Ken was born on January 28, 1933 to the late Sara J. and Charles E. McPherson Jr.  Ken retired from Conrail with 30 years’ service as a brakeman/conductor. He was a member of the West Fairview American Legion Post 984, faithful attender of Christian Life Assembly Church, member of Northeast Fire and Rescue Company and a Marine Veteran of the Korean War honorably discharged with the rank of Sergeant. He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Edythe E. (Neff) McPherson, his children, Kenneth R. (Annie) McPherson Jr. of Lemoyne, Mark A. (Kris) McPherson of Harrisburg, David S. (Andrea) McPherson of Harrisburg, Sandra K. (Adam) Herman of Enola, 6 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

Ken loved his family—his wife, his kids, his grandkids and their children as well as his large extended family—and showed that love through acts of service, his love language of provision, passing on his knowledge, and in sharing his laughter. He loved his friends the same way. 

Ken held an amazing record. He went 30 years and 281 days with finding a coin every single day. The coins have been cashed in, but the record books remain. If submitted, he would hold the record in the Guinness Book of World Records for this feat! We checked! He was also known for both his skill set (he could fix just about anything) and his generosity. He loved Jesus and had a strong faith. He enjoyed (memorized) M.A.S.H. reruns. He would start laughing long before the joke played out on the screen because he knew it was coming. He grew tomato plants that were 12 feet tall with delicious fruit--there are photos to prove it! He would stock everyone’s favorite sodas, so they felt at home when they visited. Together with Edie, they hosted one of their famous weenie roasts for the crew who replaced the bridge a block from their home. That was Ken!

The family would like to say a special thank you to the staff at Thornwald Home. Your care for Ken was incredible. 

Services will be held Friday June 16, 2023 at 11:00 am at the Christian Life Assembly Church 2645 Lisburn Rd. Camp Hill, Pa 17011. A viewing will be held from 9:30 am until time of service at the church. Burial will be held at Rolling Green Cemetery Camp Hill with full Military Honors following the service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Thornwald Home (442 Walnut Bottom Rd Carlisle PA 17013) with “Activities—Smiley Fund” in the memo line. Please consider signing the guest book on this page. 

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