Kenneth Barton Hysong

Kenneth Barton Hysong, 97, died Saturday, Nov. 30, 2013 at his residence.

He was born Jan. 8, 1916, son of the late Charles Edward and Gladys McGowen Hysong. He was preceded in death by his brother, William, and one son, Chuck Hysong, as well as his beloved wife, Sarah Estelle Turner Hysong.

Ken was a leader, excelling academically as well on the football field. Cdr. Hysong graduated from high school in Los Angeles, Calif. After a year of military prep school he received an appointment to the U.S. Naval Academy. He was a three year starting tackle on the Navy football team, and graduated with the Class of 1939.

Cdr. Hysong was in the South Pacific when World War II began. He spent the entire war in the S. Pacific on various Naval vessels including the USS Nashville that served as the Flagship for General McArthur.

After retiring from the Navy in 1960, Ken and Estelle relocated to Hendersonville where her parents had retired previously. Ken began a second career as a math teacher at HHS and EHHS. He had a profound influence on many of his students. In retirement, Ken enjoyed serving in his church and IAM, as well as playing golf, gardening and tutoring math students.

He is survived by two sons, Jim Hysong (Page) of Hendersonville, John Hysong (Lynda) of Brevard; two daughters, Joan Hysong of Hendersonville, Susan Hysong Gilks (Ron) of Dallas, Texas; 12 grandchildren, Jed Hysong, Ken Hysong (Sarah), Daniel Hysong (Heidi), Julie Hysong Lonon (Josh), Lauren Hysong Beane (Cody), Robert Hysong, Chris Erickson, Ben Hysong, Sarah Hysong, Clacy Hysong, Sarah Gilks, and Jessi Gilks; twelve great-grandchildren, Miller and Helena Hysong, Philip,Blake and Joshua Hysong, Alex and Charlie Lonon, Zach Hysong, Alex Hysong, Dillinger Fletcher, Tenleigh Van Boxtel, and Stella Erickson; and two nieces, Barbara Hysong Dohrmann and Pat Hysong Maisch.

A memorial service with be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 8, 2013, at Thos. Shepherd's Church Street Chapel with the Reverend William Carpenter officiating. A reception will be held in the South Room of the funeral home immediately following the service. A private burial will be held in Arlington National Cemetery at a later date.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Four Seasons Compassion for Life, at 571 S. Allen Road, Flat Rock, N.C. 28731.

An online register book is available for family and friends by visiting www.thosshepherd.com.

Thos. Shepherd & Son Funeral Directors and Cremation Memorial Center is in charge of arrangements. .