Kenneth Vernie Jordan, 86, of Wickenburg, AZ, passed away December 11, 2019. He was born August 3, 1933 in Salina, Ks
Old Soldiers Never Die, They Just Fade Away
An old soldier, Kenneth Vernie Jordan, a Salina, Kansas native, will carry on with the Lord.
Kenneth was a troubled youngster in and out of problems until the opportunity opened for him to enlist in the Army at the age of 14. The Marines turned him down at 12, telling him to leave their office but come back at 17 and “We’ll dam well take you.”
Kenneth’s first assignment was to the Army of occupation in Japan. When he first arrived, he was asked what he would like to do? He replied, “A Military Policeman” and so he did at age 14. He later trained into other skills.
Kenneth had 4 months remaining on his 3-year enlistment when the Korean War started. While his parents were alright with occupation duty in Japan, Kenneth’s mother had misgivings, being her son was now in the infantry. He was engaged in combat at the age of 16. Steps were taken for him to be sent out of the War Zone and discharged. Kenneth begged his commanders, up to the Commanding General, to remain with his buddies he had served with in Japan and now in combat. It was to no avail as the written order was from 5 Star General Douglas McArthur and shown to him by his commanding General who told him “You’ll leave Korea, or you’ll be escorted in handcuffs”
After becoming the required age, Kenneth re-enlisted and went on to serve over 25 years in the Army. His service includes 2 combat tours in Korea and 1 in Viet Nam along with 18 years of overseas service in Japan, Okinawa, Chile, South America, Turkey, and Germany.
His most proud award was the Second Award to the Combat Infantry Badge. He was also recipient of the Bronze Star and Purple Heart.
After his retirement, Kenneth became a Deputy Sheriff, a State Police Officer, and a Postal Employee. After another 25 years, his body told him it’s time to finally retire – this time for good.
Kenneth took the High School GED and went on to receive an AA Degree from Santa Barbara City College in California.
Along the way Kenneth was selected to appear on the NBC program “Hollywood Squares” winning pries s well as money. He also starred in the thriller movie; “Graves” filmed on location in Arizona.
Kenneth lived in Ventura, Santa Barbara, California and moved to Wickenburg, Arizona in 2001.
His parents, Thomas and Stella Jordan, brothers, Tom and Robert Jordan, and sister, Marjorie Proceeded him in death.
He leaves his loving wife, Linda Jordan, of Wickenburg, Arizona.
THE MUFFLED DRUMS SAD ROLL HAS BEAT THE OLD SOLDIER’S LAST TATOO
Visitation will be held Thursday, January 2, 2019 2-7pm with family receiving from 5-7 pm at Roselawn Heights Memorial Chapel, 1920 East Crawford, Salina.
Funeral services will be held Friday, December 3, 2019 at 11:00am at Roselawn Heights Memorial Chapel, 1920 E. Crawford, Salina. Burial will be held at Roselawn Memorial Park, where he will receive Military Honors.
Memorials may be made to
The family in care of Roselawn Mortuary, PO Box 2322, Salina, 67402.
For online condolences contact Roselawn at
www.roselawnsalina.com