It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Kenneth Dale Tigges, who departed from this life on November 12, 2024, at the age of 90. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend to many. He is deeply missed.
Ken was born on June 14, 1934, in Cherokee, Iowa, to Curt A. and Leone M. Tigges. He grew up on a farm near Peterson, Iowa. After graduating from high school in Peterson, he joined the Army, becoming a paratrooper and medic. During his tour at Ft. Bragg, NC, he met Ruby Jean Whitaker in Asheville on one of his many recreational trips to the NC mountains. They married on December 31, 1954. Ken left the Army and returned to Peterson after two years of military service. He worked various jobs, including owning a gas station. Ken’s true occupational passion was flying airplanes, earning his pilot wings in Spencer, Iowa. He rejoined the Army with his dream intact and, after a few years, was sent to Officer Candidate School followed by helicopter flight training at Ft. Rucker, AL. Upon completion, he deployed to Viet Nam for a year in 1965. He later served as an instructor for future helicopter pilots followed by another deployment in Viet Nam in 1967. He flew medivac and reconnaissance missions during his deployments.
Ken’s military career included numerous schools, training, and assignments with his family to Ft. Riley, KS, Ft. Carson, CO, Ft. Bliss, TX, Ft. Benning, GA, Ft. Rucker, AL, Ft. Bragg, NC, Ft. Monmouth, NJ, Zweibrucken, Germany, Ft. Leavenworth, KS (Command and General Staff School), Ft. Stewart, GA, and finally, the Pentagon. He retired after 27 years of serving his country as a Lieutenant Colonel, earning several honors including the Bronze Star, Air Medal, Legion of Merit, Army Presidential Unit Citation Medal, and RVN Gallantry Cross Unit Citation with Palm. He also earned two college degrees, including an MBA from George Washington University. His wife Jean, daughter Linda, and sons Rodney and Kevin were on the whirlwind ride with him!
After retiring to Raleigh, NC, Ken embarked on another career with Carolina Power and Light. He then joined the NC United Service Organizations (USO) in Raleigh as a volunteer, dedicating himself to ensuring the honorable return of our nation's heroes. He organized and led the Honor’s Team through the USO, coordinating with various organizations to ensure troops received honorable military ceremonies upon their return. His efforts earned him the “Gold Mission Award” from the NC USO and the state of NC “Order of the Long Leaf Pine.” Ken was a major participant in Veterans Day activities, advocated for veterans' benefits within NC, and was an active leader in the Military Officers Association of America. In 2017, he received the “Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award” signed by President Trump.
Ken enjoyed gardening, woodworking, watercolor painting, traveling, hiking, and spending time with his family. He hiked the Grand Canyon, Mt. Mitchell, Pike’s Peak, Mt. Rainier, and Mt. St. Helens. As a family, we always knew he was there to listen, advise, and lend a hand. Despite his tough exterior, Ken was a sensitive and caring man.
Ken is survived by Ruby Jean, his wife of nearly 70 years; his three children: Linda Gail (married to Jorge Silva, with son Rolland), Rodney Dale (married to Lee Faircloth, with son Curt, daughter Kristianna, son Benjamin Celt, daughter Sarah, and son Alexander with Lily and Clair as Ken’s great-grandchildren), and Kevin Dean (married to Cindi Billet, with daughters Kiera and Cailin); his brother Richard and sister Sheila; as well as nephews, nieces, grand-nephews, grand-nieces, great-grand-nephews, and great-grand-nieces.
Ken’s wishes are to be cremated and interred at Arlington National Cemetery in Washington, DC.
Donations in his honor can be made to the United Service Organizations (USO) https://www.uso.org/donate/memorial-donation or the Patriot Guard Riders https://patriotguard.org/donations/donate-to-the-pgr/. Cards for Ruby and family can be sent to 1115 16th Ave. E, Seattle, WA 98112.
