Kenneth (Ken) C. Rothschopf

Ken Rothschopf, 94, passed away early Monday, May 7, 2018, at his home here in Guymon.

Kenneth Charles Rothschopf was born February 18, 1924 in Hilltop, Colorado, and was the son of Joseph and Katherine Christine Johnson Rothschopf.  He graduated from Douglas County High school in Castle Rock, Colorado.  He was an Aviation Cadet trainee, Flight Officer and pilot in the U. S. Army Air Corps in World War II and was stationed in Texas. He attended Michigan State University and was a graduate of the University of Colorado where he was a member of Phi Delta Theta fraternity and Gamma Delta, Lutheran campus club. In 1949 Ken was employed as a trainee with Long-Bell Lumber Co. in Enid, Liberal, Kansas City and Amarillo, TX.  On June 24, 1950, Ken was united in marriage with Carolyn Kirk in Enid, OK. The couple moved to Amarillo, Texas and in 1954, he became affiliated with Amarillo Lumber Company.

In January, 1963, he became Manager of the Lumber Mart in Guymon and purchased the yard in 1967. Ken had been actively involved in the lumber business for over 60 years. 

Ken has been very active and involved in many community affairs.  He was a member of the Guymon Lions Club and served as President, Vice-President of the Guymon Chamber of Commerce and the Guymon Industrial Board.  Ken served as President of Mr. and Mrs. Garden Club and was Chairman of the City Parks and Recreation Board.

Ken served as President of the Oklahoma Lumbermen’s Association in 1987 and two terms on the Board of Goodland Presbyterian Children’s Home in Hugo, OK.  He was also an Elder and Trustee of the First Presbyterian Church in Guymon and served on the Council of Cimarron Presbytery.  Ken was a devoted Christian and truly loved his church and the members.    He was a member of Gideon’s International and served on the Executive Board of “Loaves and Fishes” food bank.

Ken was always supportive of OPSU and was recognized as a Distinguished Contributor for the Panhandle State Foundation in 1999.  He was also an active member of the American Legion Post and served as Chairman of the “Boys State” Committee.  He was always willing to volunteer for worthy causes and would do physical labor when needed.  When asked what hobbies he would pursue after retirement, he would say that work was his hobby.

Ken was President of KayCee Development Corporation and involved in land development.  He developed Indian Hills, Rio Vista and Park Place Additions for the City of Guymon.

Mark Twain is reported to have said that he certainly didn’t want to go to heaven if it meant that he would have to sit on a cloud and strum a harp for all eternity.  When Ken enters heaven, he will probably wonder where his tape measure is – so he can measure for new storm windows for Goodland Presbyterian Children’s Home.  Ken has always worked for the Lord.  He has taken the poor and down-trodden under his care and helped them, cared for them and provided employment.    Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the LORD.  Proverbs 19:17a

Survivors include his wife of 67 years, Carolyn of Guymon, one son, K. C. and his wife, Denise of Guymon, granddaughters, Katherine Christine January of Corvallis, OR., Meghann  Neeley and husband, Brent of Newcastle, OK., Lauren Boring and husband, Christopher of Woodward, OK,  Micha Lunt Hooper and husband,  Scott of Texas and one grandson, Michael Lunt and wife, DeeDee of Austin, Texas; seven great grandchildren, Connor and Ashlyn Neeley, Mason and Kadence Boring, Kaitlin Lunt, Caden and Keali Hooper; a sister-in-law Betsy Rothschopf of Albuquerque, NM.  

He was preceded in death by both of his parents, one daughter, Christine Rothschopf January, one sister, Evelyn Christensen and two brothers Theodore Rothschopf and Don Rothschopf.

Visitation will be at Henson-Novak Funeral Home, 501 NW Fifth, Guymon, Wednesday, May 9th, 12:00-7:00 PM with the family being present from 5:00-6:30 PM.

Graveside services with military rites will be Thursday, 1:00 PM at Elmhurst Cemetery, Guymon, OK.  Memorial services will follow at 2:00 PM at the First Presbyterian Church, 310 NW 7th Street, with Pastor Linda Sherry, officiating. 

Memorials may be given to Texas County YMCA, First Presbyterian Church or Goodland Presbyterian Children’s Home, c/o Henson-Novak Funeral Directors, P.O. Box 1306, Guymon, OK  73942.

Friends may sign the online guest book and write condolences at www.hensonnovak.com.

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