Kenneth Lee Yens, of Leitchfield, KY passed away on Friday, May 1, 2020 at Norton Hospital in Louisville, KY. He was born on April 8, 1937 in North Branch, Michigan to Lillian E. Griffin. He was retired from the USMC, an auto mechanic, and a Chairman of the Congregation and Elder of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church of Leitchfield, KY.

Kenneth joined the Marines in 1954 and retired in 1974 as a Gunnery Sergeant.  Kenneth married Cathleen (Rybak) on April 12, 1958. During their 62 years of marriage, they raised three amazing children, Stephen, Vince, and Dixie. Kenneth was an auto mechanic after retiring from the Marines and loved serving his customers at his shop in Clarkson, KY. He enjoyed sharing stories with his customers, who turned into friends. Kenneth loved to make others laugh, show his military pride, and was a true Republican. After a lifetime of wonder, Kenneth had recently found his birth family and was able to thoroughly enjoy a relationship with a sister that he never knew existed- and her loving, welcoming family.

He was proceeded in death by his two brothers, Ralph and Ernie; his mother, Lillian Yens; stepfather, Alex Yens; biological father Glenn Dietrich; and son, Stephen Yens.

He is survived by his wife, Catheen Yens; sister, Ruth Wright; son, Vince (Maydean) Yens; daughter, Dixie (Rick) Webb; 7 grandchildren- Christina, Daniel, Contina, Alissa, Amanda, Tabitha, and Nathaniel; 10 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

A small memorial service will be held at Ken’s Auto Service in Clarkson, KY on Saturday, May 9, 2020 from 11am-4pm. A larger memorial is planned for a later date.