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- [S3999] Smith-Miner Funeral Home, 5 November 2019; Kenneth C. McQuiston.
Kenneth C. McQuiston died at home in the house he had lived in for 50 years Oct. 27 2019 at the age of 97.
Ken was born in Montgomery Alabama on Dec 4 1921 to William & Emma Crampton McQuiston. After the crash of “29” the family moved to Midland. Ken was an excellent student and graduated from Midland High School. He also attended Michigan College of Mining & Technology in Houghton MI. As a young man he helped support his family by having the biggest paper route in Midland. He also worked in his father’s sheet metal shop.
When war broke out Ken joined the Navy in July of 1942. He was trained in sonar anti-submarine warfare and was assigned to the mine sweeper the USS Tide. The Tide was part of the D-Day invasion at Normandy Beach, and on June 7th 1944 the Tide hit a magnetic mine, blew up, and sank. All men aboard were either killed or wounded. Ken had both of his legs broken, but luckily was picked up by a PT boat and taken to a hospital ship. He was transferred to hospitals in England, Wales, Norfolk VA and finally Bethesda Maryland. He was discharged from Walter Reed Hospital in December 1945, went to Pier 92 in New York and was assigned to a destroyer escort that was to take part in the invasion of Japan. His ship arrived in Hawaii in July of 1945 and Japan surrendered in August of 1945. In December of 1945 he was discharged.
After the war he moved back to Midland. He worked for a time with his father and brother then moved to California and worked for Hughes Aircraft. By 1951 he was back in Midland working for Dow Chemical. He remained at Dow until his retirement in February 1982.
In 1968 Ken married Mary Walker McQuiston and they were happily married until her death in January of 2008.
As a young man Ken enjoyed many things but his true passion was golf. He started golfing at Currie in 1954 and golfed well into his 80’s. The last year he golfed he said he golfed 180 rounds.
Ken was predeceased by his parents, his wife and his siblings William, Elvadolis, Hazel and Joan and their spouses, and two nieces, Martha and Joan, and a nephew Kevin.
He is survived by his daughter Mary Ellen Roberts. Stepchildren Elizabeth (Tom) Larsan and their son Evan.
William McQuiston and his children Michelle Collins and Billy McQuiston.
Scott McQuiston (Regina) and their children Anthony, Katie, Kevin, and Molly McQuiston Darling.
Great Grandchildren: Ryan Yenshaw, Alexander McQuiston, Aiden McQuiston, Gage McQuiston, Gavin Dempsey, Gannon Dempsey, Gabby Dempsey, Baily McQuiston, Bryce McQuiston, Brennan Surpenant.
Great great grandchild Marlee Rutherford.
Nieces, Ceanne, Nedra, Consi, Janet, Renee, Jo-Abbey and a nephew Billy
Kens family would also like to give a special thank you to Monalee Sims for all her help and care in Ken’s last year.
Cremation has taken place an no service is planned at this time
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