As a young child, I remember staying with Ken's family while my mom was in the hospital. That's how I'll always remember him - a kind and generous soul who gave out of the goodness of his heart. The whole Fouts family left such a lovely impression on me during that visit that I will remember it for the rest of my life.

As the world continues to spin more and more beyond people's comfort zones, I've thought numerous times how we need more outside-the-box thinkers who love Jesus. Like Ken Fouts!

I am often awed by how God interweaves special people and circumstances into the tapestry of our lives. Several years ago, when my brother-in-law, Steve, was struggling with advanced prostate cancer, my friend and praise team member, Kevin Moore, lost his own brother Steve to cancer. Kevin happens to be a very talented artisan, and makes beautiful handmade pens from exotic woods. He felt led to gift one of these beautiful pens to me, to pass along to my brother-in-law. This gorgeous pen was made of wood that came from Israel. Needless to say, Steve was so moved and blessed by Kevin's kind and generous gesture. 
Last year at Ken's life celebration, I talked with Kevin's wife, Becky. During that conversation she talked about what a thoughtful and generous person Ken was. She proceeded to tell me that Ken, remembering that Kevin liked to make these custom pens, went out of his way to bring some special wood back from Israel for him! Yes! The pen that Kevin gifted my brother-in-law, Steve, was made from the wood that Ken had given him! God's fingerprints were all over that, don't you think!

The first time I met Ken was October 27, 2019 in Kentucky airport. He was with his lovely wife and three of his amazing children. Ken was absolutely accommodating. The next time I met him was the day before our children's wedding in Countdown Building. I told him I was shy to approach him as he was a very accomplished man. I can still clearly remember his response to me. He said "Don't be. In the eyes of God we are all equal". Ken was so humble and genuine. He even surprised me with a present -- two chargeable electric drills and a flashlight. I was very happy as both of those will be very helpful with my work. The third time we met was with Peyton and Cherry's wedding. We did not have a chance to talk on that day as both of us were very busy. We just exchanged smiles to each other as we watch our children get married. I did not expect that it was our last chance to meet. I was very hopeful to see him again but it saddens me to think that it won't happen here on Earth anymore. One thing's for sure, we'll meet in heaven someday.

Ken was one of the most generous and kind person I met. I learned a lot from him even though we only spent a short conversation. I admire him so much as he is not only a great father, a loving husband, but also an amazing leader in Church.

Ken has finished the race and this verse is for him: I have fought a good fight. I have finished the race. I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me -the crown of righteousness which the Lord the righteous judge, will award to me on that day. And not only to me, but also for those who longed for His appearing. 2 Timothy 4:7-8

I wanted to say on behalf of my entire organization how sorry we are that you have lost Ken. I was his neighbor in business for 17 years. We were either above him or right beside him at Darby Creek. I saw him many days before or after work or would sometimes pass by him at lunch. He always said hello and responded and sometimes we had a talk or two that would make the other party with us annoyed. He was just easy to talk to and a good man. If there is anybody in your family that needs help, please contact me directly and I’ll make sure they get it. Again, on behalf of Lexington Counseling and Psychiatry our sympathy and prayers are with you.

I had the privilege of attending some of the classes Ken taught at FAC. He was a highly intelligent and thoughtful person with a great sense of humor. Not only was he a wonderful teacher, but more importantly, he was an amazing role model. He exemplified the Fruits of the Spirit. He was an extraordinary man with an incredible and inspiring testimony. I want to say “This world needs more Ken Fouts.” Yet I can already hear Ken correcting me with “No, what this world needs more of is Jesus.”

Ken leaves behind a beautiful legacy. He and Cheri raised 6 stellar, God-loving kids who are valiantly carrying the Torch of Faith to the next generation. With all Ken’s accomplishments, I am certain that this, by far, ranks highest as his greatest privilege and joy. I can only imagine how awesome the Fouts’ Family Reunion will be that day when they all meet again in Glory.

Here are a few of my fond memories of Ken.

Ken heard that I was taking up bow hunting. The next thing I knew, he brought a bow to church and stated that he was no longer using this bow and I was welcome to have it. I am left-handed and noticed this was a left-handed bow. I asked Ken if he was left-handed, and he said “No, I only bought the bow to see if I could shoot left-handed.” I have always wondered, how he knew I was left-handed. Only Ken!

I bought some property and was in need of a tractor and zero-turn lawn mower. I mentioned this to Ken. He said he was going to upgrade his own equipment, so he sold me his old tractor and zero-turn lawn mower. He first made sure that everything was in perfect working order before he sold it. When he dropped it off, he had some great ideas for our property. “It would be so neat if you had a zip line that goes from the top of the mountain, over the lake, and clear to the other side.” Another idea he had was “you could make a floating gazebo with lights and a motor, so you could motor out to the center of the lake and have dinner.” Always the big dreamer with big ideas!

My experience of Ken seems so much in line with all that I heard at the wonderful service today. First, I remember his incredible generosity of gifting us with two pigs as our part in the grand experiment along with the Vetters in raising bacon. Second, his conviction that I was "sitting on a goldmine" and the number of out-of-the-box ideas he generated on how to monetize chicken manure. I had earmarked Ken as eventually coming up with a winner as part of my business plan for the egg operation. Guess I'll have to scratch that, but now look forward to laughing together with him about it one day. Really wishing now that I had gotten to know him better.