Share your favorite story of Ken Fouts
Back in the day, we both were on the Board. I wore a Vietnam Era Army Dress Co...He commented on the court, I, of course, “complained” that the sleeves were too long . He insisted over a course of time on getting them altered. My my what a touching thing to do! I hardly knew him at that time. Other stories by others are personalized as well. I thank God that he and Cheri and tribe landed among us!!
Gail Light
I never actually got to meet Ken but knew him and the family through Cheri. She gave me such strength, with remembrance of their marriage and strong faith in Christ. It did my heart good to hear of their love that was so strong after all those years. A truly good man. Rest in Peace, Ken.
Lena Johnson
How can I choose one? There are so many memories, lunches when he had me laughing so hard I could barely eat. The wise counsel he gave me far beyond his years. I always smile when I remember him telling me about building a log splitter with the engine from a Crown Vic.
There was the Sunday Class he taught, one Sunday, he showed up in a suit and apologized for having to wear his work clothes because all his regular clothes were dirty.
The story that means the most was when he organized our Sunday School Class to help us move our furniture and belongings out of storage into the house where we still live. He made a gigantic task easy, but then, didn’t he always?
In the near future, we will be leaving that house to begin a new life with our children nearby in Indiana. After nearly 25 years in our house, you can imagine how much more we have to move that we had 25 years ago. As we pack up and move out, I am sure, I will remember Kenny's kindness many times, in making sure we were taken care of on that Saturday morning so many years ago. It was truly a gift from God when we first met you at Eastland Church of God. The world is a lesser place and my life is a little sadder today for your and our loss. Still, I will always smile at every remembrance of a great man Ken Fouts! I could go on forever, but it looks like I’ve run out of room!
Dennis Smith
Right after Nik and I got married and moved back to Lexington, Ken found out I was struggling to find work. With no background in law, he gave me work. Part time, 3 days a week. One day, I remembered this one client, who was a little more difficult, came into the office. A little while later Ken walked her out, she had a Bible in her hand, I could tell she had been crying. When he walked back in, I asked him if everything was okay. He smiled and told me she had just accepted Christ. She came to see him looking for help, she just walked out with more than she ever imagined. He looked at me and said -- Candace, being a lawyer isn’t my purpose. He said my real job is showing people who Jesus is. Being a lawyer was/is my vessel to be able to meet people. I’ve remembered that ever since. My end goal is to share Jesus -- I can just use my occupation to be the vessel to meet people Jesus died to save.
Candace
Ken was my attorney and we became good friends. Not only did Ken help me with my case but he also helped find the house that I got. Ken told me that this was the house for me and boy he was right! I miss talking to him everyday. He will surely be missed and I love him as a brother. I told Ken he had a key to my house hanging on the refrigerator when he came down he could get it. Ken said that he would be there soon to see the “White House”. Ken wanted me to paint my house white.
Robert Johnson
I always enjoyed hearing the stories about his family, especially his grandchildren. Ken was the most thoughtful, kindest and so considerate man. Ken was always there to help with any problem. He was thought of as family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all in this time of sorrow. He was a great friend and he will be surely missed. I enjoyed embroidering things for Ken and his family.
Sandy Ellis
My memories of Ken are mostly involved with the “super - dad” he was. Every time my son, Tanner and Jordan were together, it seemed that Tanner would come home telling something about what Ken was doing. The biggest thing was when they went to Icthus and he built a little cabin for them to stay in! He handed it down to Wilmore and set it up. Tanner was so excited to stay in that “house”, when most of the campers were in tents!
My husband remembers how his brother Preston was welcomed so warmly and quickly as part of the family, and how much Preston loved Kenneth and was so proud of him and his kids.
We will never forget him taking us to Dad right at our school and the really cool watches that he gave us!
And...that he came to our adoption!
He loved others well and we loved him.
Eli Bunner
Ollie Bunner
Mandie
We will miss seeing Ken’s look of quier amusement, sometimes resolving into silent laughter.
And oh -- how Ken loved his forever bride Cheri! He took great joy in her accomplishment and places of ministry.
We will miss him too.
Paul & Cathy Campbell
It was a true witness to see the love you and Ken shared! It was an amazing witness to see the positive loving interaction of a fun loving family!
Diana Pope
After one of our soccer games at LCA, my car wouldn’t start. Cheri called Ken to come help. Ken took me to AutoZone to get a new battery. Ken refused to let me pay for the battery. He was a giving person.
Irv Pope
Got any Croppie
John May
While I did not know Ken on a close, personal level, I did have the privilege of teaching and serving his five sons during their LCA High School experience. That was a true blessing! Each Christmas, Dana and I receive/exchange Christmas cards with Cheri and Ken and love reading/seeing the updates on the Fouts Family (growing family -- I might add) -- so beautiful! Dylan and Morgan not only were students in my Health/PE classrooms, but they also served as summer day camp counselors for me. I am forever grateful for their help and even their guidance they gave to my two children, Macy and Chase.
I will wrap up by saying Ken was a terrific Christian leader. To have five young men successfully go through LCA without any real discipline issues and carry themselves with joy and confidence and love for others screams that Ken (and Cheri) had poured an ample, abundant amount of love, joy and confidence into them and their sister. Love you all!
P.S. The prayer circle in front of the school for Sawyer was an unforgettable spiritual experience for all involved. Ken being a man of faith helped me and other men be stronger in our faith. I saw his commitment to prayer with Sawyer’s health scare. WHAT A TESTIMONY! PRAISE GOD!!
On His Team,
Coach Galloway
Keith, Dana, Macy and Chase
Years ago, I met a young woman from India who was attending UK. She was hit by a car, walking on Campus. I was at the doctor’s office with her trying to get her to need oral surgery as a result of the accident. They were refusing because of lack of insurance. I called Ken, handed the phone to the other manager, and we went back out to the waiting room. Within minutes, we were back in the room scheduling her surgery. I never asked him how he did it, but he did. And he stood with us till she was through all of her surgeries. That was Ken. He helped the helpless.
Sue Cook
Can’t even count how many years you sat behind us in Church and I always either made or got some wise crack remark. Fun to go from watching our boys play on opposite soccer teams to playing together. I loved Ken’s heart for Jesus -- entrepreneurial spirit and love for family. We will miss you Ken but will continue to love and pray for the family.
Mark (and Diane for the Clan) Troyer
I am thankful for Ken’s encouragement, and vision at the time when I was retiring from teaching. He said I can see you in your painting skill, forming a successful business and helping others. I was anxious at that time and Ken helped me to see that God’s hand could be in this time of transition. I have been painting now for about 22 years and God has made it a blessing.
John Long
I don’t have a favorite story, but I do have lots of memories of our years at First Alliance Church together. Ken and Cheri and usually Sawyer always sat in the row behind us, and when we missed a Sunday, Ken would always have a snarky comment the next Sunday. I loved his sense of humor and the way he would share Jesus with those around him. When he taught Sunday School, we would always attend his class. He made me laugh, and encouraged me in my relationship with Jesus. We will miss him and will pray for those he left behind. So thankful we’ll be reunited in Heaven someday.
I never met Ken, I know Cheri! We met about 45 years ago, also at Church (Camp Meeting Youth Group). Cheri was so outgoing and always smiling. We became friends, and I just wanted to pay my respects to Cheri and her family!
Love,
Sheila Gorham
My favorite story of Ken Fouts was when our Men’s Group from First Alliance went to a POWs Reepers Rally in Indianapolis. …… the people at the bus were there because of Ken Fouts.
Rob Bergh
My first real memory of Ken started at a car repair shop he recommended. The shop was rough looking and on a bad stretch of Winchester Road. I was a little apprehensive but when I arrived Ken showed up with donuts and coffee for the workers. He told me he had been doing that so he could have a chance to share Christ. This was my first introduction to one of the most intentional and effective evangelists I have ever met. What a blessing!
Dan Danford
The first time I met Ken was February of 89. My father (Dan Shepherd) went to see him at Ken’s office. It was my birthday. Dad mentioned to Ken that it was my birthday. Ken slid me a $20 and said happy birthday and told me to get some candy. This was the first of several stories of generosity that I can recall. Kenny was a kind person.
Jim Shepherd
First real experience with Ken was 8 years ago, when a major fall left me nearly immobile! Unhappy with Orthopedic Physician, I was talking with Ken, mentioning wanting a second opinion. A minute later Ken disappeared for 5 minutes, then came back with Mike Kirk and a second opinion happened in 3 days. Eventually, Dr. Kirk fixed the hip.
Without Ken taking time to act, may have never got the Doctor who fixed the problem. Still praise God for Ken stepping in and being God’s Messenger.
Jim Wiese
Ken had a passion for guns, and with me having my FFL license, he always encouraged me to get my class III (machine gun) license. I never did, but I always appreciated Ken’s support and willingness to support me in it.
A few months before Ken passed, he came over to our house to pick up a firearm and he was showing me steel gates he and one of his boys were building together. He offered to bring his welder over and teach me and my sons how to weld.
As a middle school leader at FAC, Tanner would tell many stories that involved Ken. So many different examples of how Ken was involved with his sons and having the respect and admiration of his grown sons has been inspiring to me as a father trying his best to raise Godly children.
I also have appreciated hearing from Cheri about the many projects around their house Kenny has built for her. Although a bit hard to live up to, a great example of a Godly man serving his wife unconditionally. Thanks be to God for the life of Ken Fouts and may God bless his family until they are reunited with him.
Casey Dunn
There are too many things to write. But I will try. Ken called me one day and said, “Do you want some pigs?” He said he had 4. After thinking about it I said I could take 2 since I love bacon. Turns out there were 6 pigs. It turned out to be quite an adventure and a lot of fun for my family.
Ken invested so much in our family over the years. When Diane had her accident he navigated the insurance for us when we were clueless. He helped us out and encouraged us so much over the years.
When a special-needs friend of ours was in an accident, the insurance company tried to take advantage of her and give her nothing for her car. Ken stepped in and took care of her. Ken’s compassion for other people has changed me for the better. I am a better husband and father because of his example. Ken lived out what he believed and that is something I really needed to see as I was a clueless newly-wed guy 30 years ago.
Tim Vetters
I don’t know where to start -- Ken, the encourager, seems best. That is best shown by remembering his comments at our children’s piano recitals. No matter how many mistakes were made, Ken Fouts would tell them what amazing musicians they were as they were “making a joyful noise” for the Lord. That is one reason that they continued to become truly amazing musicians and to this day, praise our Father.
I was also blessed to teach his amazing children and watch his influence as they grew up and even became friends with my children. I can say the same things about my sweet friend, Cheri -- Ken’s beloved, as she even traveled out of state to rescue my oldest who was stranded on the road. It is a Fouts thing encouraged by Ken.
Years later, after our children were grown and our lives were long past “intersecting” at predictable events -- Ken’s path and mine crossed again as I was working for the Social Security Administration. I was witness to his advocacy for many clients who were coming to us for assistance. He did not always delegate those conversations to others. I smiled at the stories of those clients who told of his praying with them and giving them a Bible. I smiled, because all I could say was, “That is the Ken that I know.”
I have been blessed by the life of Ken Fouts, and can’t wait to worship with him in eternity! My love and prayers are with all of you.
In His Love,
Mary Ann Kinman
Ken shared a story in the Men’s Group at Grace Baptist Church that impacted me and will continue to impact my faIth. It was about when the Communist Party in Korea was taking over the country. They lined up Christians to get them to deny Christ or die. The first guy denied Christ. Then the next person in line was a 9 year old girl and she said, “Jesus loves me, so I will not deny Him.” A dead silence went over everyone. Suddenly, the soldiers shot the man who denied Jesus and told everyone else to go home.
Wayne Harder
I don’t know if there is a single favorite story. Ken and I were Law School classmates. I had many experiences with Ken over the years (as both a lawyer and friend). Ken had an unwavering faith, a generosity of Spirit and an upbeat disposition.
It was very obvious that Ken was fully committed to his God and his lovely family. He even made friends with his old litigation defense attorney and always volunteered to pay for all of our lunches. The world’s loss is heaven’s gain. God bless Ken. God blessed all those who knew him.
Ken obviously understood a defense lawyer would have neither the financial wherewithal or the “generosity of spirit” to pick up the lunch tub.
Duke Hoozs
Numerous times we happened to be in the same *restaurant and when we went to pay our bill “someone” had already taken care of it! Even if our kids were out by themselves, they’d come home with big smiles, saying who paid their bill. What an example for our family to see through the years! The Rinehart’s are blown away by all your examples! *Often Korean ❤️
Priscilla Rinehart
What a powerful service honoring Ken. You boys did such a sweet job of honoring and paying tribute to your pops. The most accurate thing I can say is that you all make me wish I had known him better and I look forward to chatting with him in Heaven! ❤️
Laurie Boone
No few words can capture adequately the spirit or memory of Ken or his passion for sharing the Gospel. But I particularly enjoyed working with Ken on all of the planning and presentation of the Lexington Lawyer’s Christian Convention (400+). Rarely has passion and peace been mixed so perfectly as in Ken. Of course, soccer times with Cheri and the Fouts family are great memories too.
Love,
Brad and Laurie Boone
Ken Fouts was recommended to me in a case. My first case, by a good friend of mine, Drus Kopitzre, “He is the best!” He said, at the first call, first meeting, I knew I was in good hands. On the phone we had many great conversations in the short time I knew him.
But naturally, I could not help thinking in the midst of those great (and I mean great) conversations...how much is this gonna cost me?” To this day, I have never received a bill. Lord knows I would not be able to afford it, because those conversations were priceless. Thank you Ken for your witness and presence in my life. It was too short, but I know you are where you need to be..as always,
Nathan Man
I never got the pleasure of meeting Ken in person, as he was recently representing us with a business matter, but once my husband met him about 6 months ago, he came home and couldn’t stop talking about how great of a guy he knew he was already by his wisdom he imparted to my husband at that first meeting, but also by the light in his eyes and smile on his face. He had faith we would win our legal battle even when we had moments of doubt and he said he knew because he knew God was on our side. Thank you for sharing Ken with us.
God bless you all and our prayers are with you until you meet him again.
Amy Mann
We never went to see Ken without feeling better when we left. He always directed with his wisdom and gave the glory to God. When we went our way we knew God was in control.
He was always there to help, especially the daint out. A wonderful father, husband, grandfather, friend.
God bless,
Whit
I so enjoyed being in Sunday School Class when Kenny was the leader. His kindness, humility, and stories always showed love of God, love of his neighbor, and joy for life. I appreciated his friendliness and love of Eastern Kentucky people.
Charlotte Caudill-Glockner
Clay County, Kentucky
All the wonderful moments of watching our kids play soccer together. We share your beautiful family’s joys and when you suffer, we suffer with you. We know this is not the end of the story! Jonathan and Sharon send their love. Sharon called and asked us to pray as soon as he heard he was sick!
All our love and prayers!
Kelly Hoke
I loved Kenny’s description of the “hard nuts” in our life and the belief that they would believe in Jesus through prayer.
My memory of Ken always includes a smile. One day at Church, I was having a hot flash moment and Kenny saw me fanning away. The next Sunday morning, Kenny handed me a gift of a little hand battery operated fan. They say the apple never falls far from the tree and Tanner’s humor and kind heart is part of that remnant.
Carolyn Manley
We were in Sunday School and somehow the subject of Indiana Jones came up. I had never seen any of the movies -- I don’t like snakes. I said this and Ken was appalled and said that I needed to get over it. He pulled out his phone and in a minute said, “The full set will be here Tuesday.” The next Sunday, he met me in Sunday School again -- with the DVDs. I’ve started watching them. I still hate snakes but they are great stories.
Love you all,
Joanne
Ken was a special friend. We sat across from Ken at church on most occasions. He always had a smile and a word about his Savior. We will miss him and are so grateful that we will meet again around the big table on the other side! Lord help us to be the witness to all that our brother Ken was. Till we meet again, at Jesus feet!
Tom and Janice Gold
Ken was a dear friend from the early days in Colorado. He was wise, loyal, and a gentle spirit to those who knew him and to those in need. Although we know he is with Christ today, he will be deeply missed. Our deepest condolences to Cheri and the entire Fouts family.
Dave & Pam Duran
Ken lived his life here on earth as a reflection of Christ. All those who know him are blessed and are never left the same. He showed us how to give to others, he invested into our spiritual lives, he was there as a counselor, a friend, and always ready to take you out for a meal. We love you, Cheri and the whole Fouts family.
Melanie and Calvin
Cheri, Carol and I want to express our greatest sympathies for the loss of Ken. he was a great friend and confidant to me. His spirit was pure and his counsel was solid. He will be missed by all who knew him. I loved him as a brother. May Gods grace bless you all.
Donald and Carol Douglas
We were so sorry to hear of Ken´s passing. I enjoyed our time working in the same office. Ken was a great guy. Had the pleasure of speaking with him recently when he called our office. Praying for all of you during this difficult time.
Mark and Geneva Sok
Cheri, Peyton, Tanner, and all, as much as we here on Earth will miss Kenny, Heaven is REJOICING that a "true and faithful servant" is reunited with his LORD! Prayers! I am out of town, but works be there. Judy
Judy Schreiber
I´ve known you since Jr High and High School. You will be deeply missed and prayers for your family.
Christine(Vaughan)Timme
I am saddened to hear about Ken's passing. Please know the Fouts´ family is in my thoughts and prayers.
Rob Dennis
Ken was a special friend. We sat across from Ken at church on most occasions. He always had a smile and a word about his Savior. We will miss him and are so grateful that we will meet again around the big table on the other side! Lord help us to be the witness to all that our brother Ken was. Till we meet again, at Jesus feet!
Tom and Janice Gold
Mrs. Fouts, I was in law school with Ken. I just learned of his passing and want to offer my most sincere condolences. My memories of Ken are that he always had a smile on his face and kindness in his heart. I am very sorry for your loss and pray God's blessed comfort for you and family.
Teresa Moss Groves
I notice there are others here from way back in Pueblo, CO. I too was a friend of Ken´s as children. This is how special he was. He is still remembered and loved from 50+ years ago. Glad to hear your life turned out beautiful. You deserved it. Goodbye my old friend.