Obituary of Kenneth-Dean Jordan

Kenneth Dean Jordan, 76 WESTBROOK -- Kenneth Dean Jordan, 76, of Westbrook, passed away peacefully at home on April 10, 2010, after a long, courageous battle with cancer, his beloved wife of 58 years, Cynthia at his side. Kenneth was born in Portland on July 23, 1933, the son of Henry Polk Jordan and Ruth Jane Hancock Jordan. He attended South Portland schools, where he played varsity football as a freshman. Kenneth had a very fulfilling, exciting life with many adventures and careers. He joined the Maine National Guard in May 1948 (14 years old) as a member of the 103rd Infantry Heavy Tank Division and spoke many times of driving a tank. Because one could not join the military at 14, Ken listed April 1, 1931, (April Fools) as his birth date in order to appear 17. His commitment to his country continued as he enlisted in the U.S. Navy in February 1951 at age 17. He served on three aircraft carriers during the Korean War: the USS Cabot, the USS Coral Sea, and the USS Leyte. He was a member of the crash and rescue crew on the Leyte in 1953 when a tragic explosion and fire killed 37 crewmembers. Ken was recognized for bravery as he went several decks below through smoke and fire to rescue a fellow sailor who was badly burned. He carried his shipmate on his shoulders up several flight decks to safety. On Feb. 3, 1952, Kenneth married Cynthia Desjarlais. Among his many successful career paths, Ken managed the first Dunkin Donuts in Portland in 1961, managed multiple theaters throughout New England, and then began working at Sears as a very successful salesman for the next 25 years until he retired. He also operated his own real estate company, Jordan Realty. He was a member of many civic organizations including the Eagles, Elks, and American Legion. He was a faithful communicant of St. Edmunds Church in Westbrook for many years. Ken and Cynthia enjoyed 58 loving years together and had many interests including a passion for the Red Sox and Celtics. Taking care of their Kenneth Dean Jordan Jones, Rich & Hutchins Funeral Home & Cremation Service 775-3763 beloved poodles Mindy and Lilly. Ken's self-taught gift and passion was playing the piano, the spoons, singing, and dancing. He could listen to any song and play it immediately. He also enjoyed watching Nascar, taking care of his cars from his '36 Ford to his '05 Lincoln, and loved riding his Honda Silverwing motorcycle. Ken is also remembered as an intensely loyal man who would do what was needed to help others in need. He was predeceased by his parents; and a brother, H. Richard Jordan. He is survived by his wife, Cynthia; his brothers Charles Edward of Florida, Robert of Florida; his step-mother, Gertrude; his half brothers Darrell and Jimmy and a half-sister Della; five sons, Mark and his wife Paula of Scarborough, David and his wife Jackie of Cumberland, R.I., Philip and his wife Charlene of Westbrook, Kenneth and his wife Joy of Groton, Mass., and Scott and his wife Donna of Valrico, Fla., one daughter, Sheryl Degen and her husband Chris of Westbrook; 18 grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and his ever-faithful dog Lilly who spent most days curled up at the foot of Ken's chair. Relatives and friends are invited to call at the Jones, Rich & Hutchins Funeral Home, 199 Woodford St., Portland, on Wednesday, April 14, from 4-7 p.m. A funeral for relatives and close friends will be held on Thursday, April 15, at 10 a.m., at St. Patrick's Church, Congress Street, Portland, with a graveside ceremony to follow at Woodlawn Cemetery in Westbrook. Please visit www.jonesrichandhutchins.com for additional information and to sign a guestbook. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to: St. Jude Children's Research Hospital P.O. Box 2151 501 St. Jude Place Memphis, Tennessee 38101-2151