Kenneth Wayne Ledbetter

****** The memorial service will be livestreamed on Bethel Baptist Church's FaceBook page. ******

Kenneth Wayne Ledbetter, 72, of Marion, North Carolina, passed away on Christmas morning, December 25, 2022 at his home surrounded by his family.

A native of McDowell County, Ken was born June 26, 1950 to the late Dib Jones Ledbetter and Fern Queen Ledbetter.

Ken was a veteran of the United States Navy and served on the USS Saratoga. After graduating from Western Piedmont Community College, Ken joined the Marion Police Department and then served as a Trooper on the North Carolina State Highway Patrol. Ken then ended his career in sales.

Ken was a family man more than anything. A member of Bethel Baptist Church, Ken loved the Lord most of all and his church family as well. He enjoyed golfing, taking drives with his wife, collecting guns and knives, watching westerns, spending time at the beach, and cooking. Ken loved Christmas so much, and he always made it a special time for his family. What an honor that he left this earthly life on Christmas Day.

He is survived by his wife, Sonjia Blankenship Ledbetter; two daughters, Jill Ledbetter Kehler and Elizabeth Ledbetter Graham (Jason); and three grandchildren, Madicyn Kehler, Jackson Graham, and Harper Graham.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, December 31, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. at Bethel Baptist Church with Rev. Jimmy Upton officiating. There will be a private viewing for family only and no visitation will be held.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in honor of Cami Green.