Kenneth Fukuda

Kenneth Yasushi Fukuda was born on September 12, 1928 to Shinkishi and Masuye Fukuda in Lomita, California. From 1942 to 1945 he was interned in the Camp Tulelake Relocation Facility for Japanese Americans in Oregon. His humble beginnings in life did not indicate what his ultimate potential would achieve. He excelled in nearly all sports: in basketball his team took the Army league; in boxing for the Army he won every bought by TKO; proficient in skiing for the military and became an instructor; but his true love in sports was baseball. He was invited to try out for the Philadelphia Phillies. He once said, "He would rather play baseball than eat." His natural gift in leadership, discipline, and enjoying the company of others caused him to rise very quickly in the military ranks and in his civilian life. He became a Master Sergeant in the Army within three years and won several medals in his military service. In his work life he eventually became a Vice President of Alexander and Alexander Insurance. In his community service, he received the prestigious Melvin Jones award, he was honored with a certificate for his 50 years of service in the Lions Club, and served as the President of the Puyallup Lions Club. He also received many community service awards too numerous to be listed here. In 1954 he met Miyo Uchiyama who was to become his cherished and beloved wife. They proceeded to have four children who loved him dearly. Somewhere in this amazing full life Ken became acquainted with his loving Savior and took pleasure in spreading the Great Good News of the gospel through Gideon International. He passed out Bibles and placed them in hotels and years of service in feeding the hungry and ushering in his local church Northwest Foursquare Church where his family attended. Ken is survived by his wife of 63 years and his three children: Scott Fukuda, Karen Fleckner, and Sharon Deupree. His son-in-laws Brent Fleckner and Robert Deupree were honored to have his influence in their lives as an example of a good man. Also, he is survived by his granddaughters: Rachel Felix, Cassandra Felix, and Hope Fleckner who were the joys of his life. Ken is also survived by his younger brother Robert Fukuda. Ken is preceded in death by his youngest son, Peter Fukuda, his older sister Lillian Karamoto, his older brother Oscar Fukuda. But now they live forevermore. Praise our Lord, Jesus Christ.