Kenneth Dean Yancey

KENNETH DEAN (Ken) YANCEY Kenneth Dean (Ken) Yancey was born September 23, 1933 at Brockwell, Arkansas. He was the middle child of seven born to Austin T. Yancey and Essie R (Clark) Yancey. He grew up and helped on the family farm until moving to Washington State with his family in 1947. His early education was sporadic because his help was needed on the farm. After moving to the Wenatchee area, Ken attended Sunnyslope Elementary and Junior High School. He attended Wenatchee High School for a brief time before beginning to work full time at various jobs. In January of 1953 Ken began working for ALCOA and was drafted into the United States Army in November of 1953. After basic training at Camp Chaffee, Arkansas and additional training at Fort Sill, Oklahoma and Fort Bliss Texas, Ken was assigned to an anti-aircraft battalion at Camp Hanford, Washington (Tri City Area) where he served as a Classified Documents Courier for the duration of his military obligation. While stationed at Camp Hanford, his commanding officer set the stage for Ken to continue his education. After being discharged from the Army, Ken returned to his old job at ALCOA but things were different. He soon realized he must complete his formal education in order to realize his full potential. He began attending Wenatchee Valley Baptist Church. Hazel Minor, a classmate from Junior High School days was also attending Wenatchee Valley Baptist Church. Ken and Hazel began dating and during their courtship, Ken began to share his thoughts about returning to school. Ken and Hazel were married September 28, 1957 in the Wenatchee Valley Baptist Church. To this union three children were born, a son David in 1962, a daughter, Kathryn in1967, and a son, Doug in 1969. Hazel was very supportive of Ken returning to school and in March 1958 they loaded all their “belongings” in a pickup truck and small trailer and moved to Seattle where Ken enrolled in Edison Technical School in pursuit of his High School diploma. After high school, Ken enrolled at the University of Washington. After attending the University of Washington for a period of time, he decided to enter the field of education at Central Washington College of Education. He received his BA in Education from Central in 1966. After receiving his BA, Ken taught sixth grade at Columbia Elementary School in Wenatchee until 1971. During those five years of teaching, Ken continued to work on his Masters Degree in Educational Administration, his fifth college year (a requirement) and Elementary Principal Credential. At the end of four summers of summer school Ken was awarded his Masters Degree and Elementary Principal Credential along with the completion of his fifth year. In 1971 Ken was hired as an Elementary Principal in Moses Lake School District. This was Ken’s first Principal Assignment. He served in Moses Lake as a principal for twenty-three years. During his tenure in Moses Lake Ken served as principal in four different buildings. Also, during this time he served as Regional Director for the Elementary School Principal’s Association of Washington (ESPAW) representing the Columbia Basin Region. Ken also served one term as East Side Vice President for ESPAW. Ken enjoyed camping with family and playing golf with his brother and friends. He also loved working with his computer. After a trip to Arkansas where he and David visited the many places where he lived as a child, he wrote his memoirs for his children and siblings. Ken retired from public education in 1993. After his retirement, Ken was called back into service for such special projects as filling in for principals, chairing hiring committees, and serving as the Moses Lake School District’s Hearing Officer. Also, after moving to Wenatchee in 2000, Ken was hired to teach three semesters at Heritage University. Ken leaves behind his loving wife, Hazel, their children, David (Joan) Yancey, Kathryn (Gary) Carpenter and Doug (Theresa) Yancey, eight grand children, fs great grandchildren and many relatives and friends. He is also survived by two brothers, Jim (Earlene)Yancey of Malaga, WA, Ed Yancey of Longview, WA and a sister, Murriel Franks, of Ephrata, WA. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister, Joyce Yancey, brothers Doyle and Charles Yancey. Ken was a member of the Eastmont Baptist Church. Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 A.M Monday, February 29, 2016 at Jones & Jones ~ Betts Memorial Chapel. Friends and family may visit from 9:00 to 11:00 A.M. Interment will follow at Wenatchee City Cemetery Please express your thoughts and memories on the online guest book at jonesjonesbetts.com. Arrangements are by Jones & Jones – Betts Funeral Home. Funeral arrangements are made by Jones & Jones-Betts.

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Kenneth Dean Yancey

September 23, 1933 - February 23, 2016