On Thursday, June 25, 2009, at Christus St. Elizabeth Hospital, angels came to carry Ken Ludwig home to be with his Heavenly Father.
Howard Kendrick Ludwig, Jr. was born in San Augustine, TX, on February 22, 1931, the only child of Pearl and H.K. Ludwig, Sr. His childhood was spent roaming the river bottoms and piney woods of East Texas. After graduation, Ken enlisted in the USAF and spent the next twenty years serving his country as he traveled he globe. His love for the C-124, the Douglas aircraft he flew during his career, is evident by his memorabilia and his stories. He married the love of his life, Wilma Butler, on November 7, 1953. Ken and Wilma spent their Air Force life stationed in Greenville, S.C., Savannah and Atlanta, GA. After retiring from military service. He was a familiar sight up and down 5th Street until his retirement in 1993. Ken's golden years were spent traveling with Wilma, fishing and hunting with anyone available, golfing at the country club, and enjoying his family. He was a proud member of the Men's Class at the First United Methodist Church of Silsbee;
Ken was preceded in death by his parents, Pearl and Ken, by his son-in-law, Jeff Hobbs, and by his grandson, Freddy Hardy.
He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Wilma, and the girls--Janet and her husband, J.W. Wiginton, of Belton, Pam and her husband Fred Hardy of Sugar Land, and Kenni and her husband Pete Landgraf, of Dallas. Ken is also survived by two grand-daughters, Jennifer and Jane Ann and great-grandchildren, Hardy and Londyn. Ken leaves behind a host of friends, young and old, treasuring each and everyone as members of his surrogate family.
Visitation for friends and family will be at Broussard's Mortuary in Silsbee on Saturday, June 27, from 6:00-8:00 pm. A memorial service to celebrate Ken's life will be held Sunday, June 28th, at the FUMC of Silsbee at 2:00. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Ken's memory to the FUMC of Silsbee.
The Ludwig family would like to send a special thank you to Dr. Stephen LaMendola, as well as the nurses in the CVICU at Christus St. Elizabeth Hospital. We would also like to thank our many friends for their prayers and support, with a special thank you to Glenn and Beth McClammy for always being there.
