Kenneth Murdock

Kenneth Walker Murdock passed into the presence of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Saturday, July 18, 2020. He was surrounded by his loving family. Kenneth was born in Emerson near Mt. Pleasant, Ohio in August 1931 to Leo and Mary Inez (Walker) Murdock. He was the 2nd of four children. He graduated from Mt. Pleasant High School in 1950, and worked briefly before entering the U.S. Air Force. He served 4 years during peace-time, as a B-29 bomber flight engineer. “That was the best job I ever had,” reminisced Ken recently with pride. During his military service, he married his seventeen-year-old sweetheart, Ellen Criswell, whom he had met two years earlier. When he finished his time in the Air Force, he worked for a short time in highway construction, and then went on for some studies at Ohio State University. Next, he went to work on a railroad, which brought him to live in Toledo, Ohio. After several more short-term jobs, he finally landed a job at the refinery of SOHIO (Standard Oil of Ohio—now British Petroleum or B.P.). He worked as a pipe inspector there for many years until his retirement. After arriving in Toledo, Kenneth and his wife found The Toledo Gospel Tabernacle (now called First Alliance Church) on Monroe Street, where they committed their lives to Christ. They have continued there as members until the present time.Ken became involved in serving the Lord as a deacon and sound board manager, among other things. During his last weeks, he shared with everyone he encountered that he was glad his “name is written in the Lamb’s Book of Life,” and that a newbody would be ready for him, so he wouldn’t “have to struggle to breathe.” He suffered with bad lungs and COPD for many years. Through the years, Kenneth enjoyed gardening, repairing cars, taking photographs and sometimes modifying them, and working with his computers.He was fascinated by researching the family tree, and keeping up with the news. He loved teaching his children,his grandchildren, and his greats, and he loved the family dog, Gus. He was a marvelous encourager and advisor, and a great friend.His home was always open to others, for a meal or a holiday. He made each person he spoke with feel like their story was important, warmly accepting everyone he had the pleasure of knowing. He was THE BEST! Kenneth and Ellen celebrated their 67th wedding anniversary on December 25, 2019. They have four children, eleven grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. Kenneth is preceded in death by his parents, his brother Broderick, and twin great-grandsons. He is survived by his wife Ellen; his daughter Vicki; his son Kent & wife Jeannie, and their children Adam, Amanda, Evan and Blake (and spouses); his daughter Sarah & husband Amer Ahmad, and their children Mariam, Bassam &Samer (and wife); his daughter Jennifer & husband Chuck Rentz, and their children Eric, Thomas, Emily and Daniel; and his great-grandchildren; as well as two sisters, Alice Calhoun (and husband), and Eleanor Wanty. For those not able to join the family in person for the memorial service, you may join us via live-stream at: https://www.hdezwebcast.com/show/kenneth-murdock-funeral-service