Kenneth Gene Tankersley, 73 of Ashland passed away on Sunday, August 28, 2022 in the Good Shepherd Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.
He was born on January 18, 1949 in Sweetwater, Texas, the son of the late Billy E. and Doris (nee Westfall) Tankersley.
When Ken was 11 the family left Texas and moved to Henderson, Nevada. He graduated from Basic High School, Class of 1967.
Following his graduation, Ken proudly enlisted in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War. He served from 1968 to 1974, during his tenure he served aboard the U.S.S. Jamestown AGTR3, U.S.S. Hornet CVS12, and the U.S.S. Oriskany CVA 34.
Ken began his career as a lineman for Bell Telephone Company and went on to become an installer of PBX systems for several years. He then began his own business installing electrical systems, satellite dishes, and telephone systems. In 1989 he joined IBEW Local #357 Las Vegas, Nevada. He was employed for more than 40 years, retiring in 2008.
Ken married the love of his life, the former Alisa Hall on May 7, 1999.
Throughout his life, he enjoyed fishing and boating, hiking and water skiing. In his earlier years, he loved to pack into the mountains on horseback. He also enjoyed training bird dogs for field trials. He was also a member of the Masonic Lodge.
He is survived by his wife of 23 years, Mrs. Alisa Tankersley of Ashland; one daughter, Tawny (Ethan) Wald of Pahrump, Nevada; two granddaughters, Emmalee and Abbigail Wald; a sister-in-law, Dottie Pugh of Mansfield; two brothers-in-law, Kent (Cindy) Hall of Ashland and Mike (Linda) Hall of Port St. Lucie, Florida; and numerous nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, Ken is preceded in death by a brother-in-law, Bob Pugh.
The family wishes to express their gratitude to Good Shepherd and to Hospice of North Central Ohio Staff, Christine Murphy, Heather Carpenter, Cindy Hudnut, Ericka Abel, Katie Allman, and Pam Acord for their excellent care they have shown Ken.
Ken’s life would not be complete without mention of his close friends, the late Kenny Booth, Linda Fulmer and her late husband Carl, Christine Murphy, and Ron and Sandy Obrecht. Also his lunch bunch Thursday group at the Lyn-Way. These long lasting friendships have meant the world to him.
Funeral services will be held Tuesday, September 6, 2022 at 11:30 a.m. in the Denbow-Gasche Funeral Home with Pastor David Bates officiating. Friends may call one and a half hour prior to the service from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Following the service, a meal and time of fellowship will follow in the Legacy Room of the funeral home.
Interment will follow in the Ashland Cemetery where the Ashland Veterans Honor Guard will conduct full military honors.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: Hospice of North Central Ohio, 1021 Dauch Drive, Ashland, Ohio 44805.
For those unable to attend, online condolences may be shared on the funeral home’s website to denbowfh.com.
Denbow-Gasche Funeral Home & Crematory is handling the arrangements.
Funeral home : Denbow-Gasche Funeral Home & Crematory
