George Ken Brown

Ken Brown passed away on March 7, 2018 at the age of 86. He was born in Seattle, WA. He served in the Korean War with the Navy (USS Prichett - DD561) from 1951-1954.  He, and his wife, Lynda moved to San Luis Obispo, CA in 1956 where Ken worked for radio station KVEC and following that to Santa Barbara, CA where he was on radio KTMS.  After moving to Bakersfield, CA, Ken became a well-known local newsman by creating the News Department at KBAK-TV and then as News Director for KERO-TV. While at KERO, he traveled to Europe in 1965 covering major stories, including the funeral of Sir Winston Churchill. Later with KERO, he went on assignment to Southeast Asia, as well as New Zealand and Australia where he interviewed the Prime Ministers. After his news career, he became the Public Information Officer for the Kern County High School District.  He then went to work for Contel Telephone and retired from there in 2001 after 20 years with the company. While at Contel, he earned a B.S. from the University of San Francisco.

He was a dedicated member and First Reader of the Christian Science Church. He loved cars, particularly antiques, riding motorcycles, and Big Band music. He devoted time to local service organizations and was President of the Bakersfield Exchange Club, Westchester Kiwanis, Toastmasters, and Jaycees.

More than anything, Ken loved his family: wife Lynda, married for 62 years; daughters Cheryl Peterman (Ray), Colleen Cronkhite (Kevin), and Karen Davidson (Doug); granddaughter Shawna Parker (Dave); great-grandsons Hudson, Wyatt, and Weston; sisters Martha Shute and Judy Podstata; 6 nieces and nephews; and 7 great nieces and nephews.

Per Ken's wishes, no funeral service is planned and his ashes will be scattered at sea.

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