Kenneth Edmondson, 89, past exalted ruler of Elks Lodge #1774, a resident of Vero Beach for 25 years, and a retired air traffic controller, navigated to the golden gates in Heaven on January 5, 2015. Ken served in the U.S. Army during World War II earning a Purple Heart while in Germany and then later serving in Korea.

Ken was born in Logan, West Virginia to Frank and Maude Edmondson, Ken was the sixth of 12 children, and endured the many hardships of Appalachian life. He often reminisced about his childhood. In Vero Beach, Ken was very active in community affairs. He was past exalted ruler of the Elks Lodge #1774, During his tenure the existing lodge building was constructed. Ken was a member of the Masonic Lodge, Shriners, American Legion, and the Loyal Order of the Moose. While living at Grove Isle, Ken was instrumental in forming a trail blazer group, which cleared access to the Indian River lagoon for the enjoyment of the-existing residents.

Survivors include his wife, Andrenna Edmondson, daughter, Helen Fowkes, two grandchildren, Chrystina Edwards and Kalei Fowkes, and a great grandson, Gardner Edwards.

Services are private. Contributions in Ken's honor may be made to Harry-Anna, an Elks Children's Hospital, 3616 W. Gandy Blvd., Tampa, FL, 33611, phone 813-839-8928.

A guest book may be signed at www.coxgiffordseawinds.com