Rev. Kenneth D. Kramer, Sr., died at home in Princeton on Saturday, September, 20, 2014, at the age of 82. He had lived in Princeton, IN since his retirement in June 1997. 

He was born in Centralia, IL to Raymond and Irene Peifer Kramer on March 10, 1932.

After his mother’s 1934 death, he lived at The Evangelical Children’s Home in Hoyleton, IL for the next seven years. Following his father’s remarriage to Sarah Blair, Ken moved back to Centralia and finished elementary school and high school there. He confirmed his faith in 1946 at St. Peters, Centralia. He attended the Centralia Junior College for two years and passed his state teachers exam following graduation. 

Kenneth enlisted in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean conflict. He became an instructor for the next three years. While in the service he married Janet (nee) Lewis in June 1953 at Biloxi, MS. Together they had three children. 

Ken became a licensed minister in Illinois in 1958 and served in that capacity until he graduated with a degree from The University of Illinois and Eden Theological Seminary, Webster Grove, IL in 1962. Rev. Kramer served churches in Illinois and Indiana, most recently at Zion UCC in Evansville and St. JohnÂ’s UCC in Buckskin, IN. His wife of 40 years, Janet died in 1994. He married Sharon Apple in April 1997 and retired in June 1997. He continued activities in Ministry Supply and on various committees in the Indiana/Kentucky Church Association. 

Survivors include his wife, Sharon. His children, Rev. Kenneth D. (Norma) Kramer Jr. of Marion, IL; Zola Mae (Jeffrey) Pickrell of Evansville, IN; and Kerri Ann (David) Horton of Henderson, KY. Also granddaughters, Megan (Dean) Hobbs, Kendra Horton, Heather (Qwin) Hobbs of Henderson, KY and Janet Pickrell of Evansville, IN and 3 great grandchildren. Also his brother, Darrell (Barbara) Kramer of Deer Park, TX. Step children: Barry (Liz) Chandler of Louisiana; Mark (Billie) Chandler of Haubstadt, IN; Michael (Kim) Chandler of Haubstadt, IN; and Kendra (Brett) Dewig of Princeton, IN. 10 step grandchildren and 10 step great grandchildren. 

Ken was predeceased by his parents, his first wife Janet, and sister Doris Sanders. 

Funeral Services will be held at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, September 23, 2014 at Bethlehem United Church of Christ, 6400 Oak Hill Rd., Evansville IN, officiated by Rev. Emily Slade, Rev. Mark Sirnic and Rev. Kenneth D. Kramer Jr. Graveside services will be at 3p.m. Tuesday at the Hillcrest Memorial Park Cemetery in Centralia IL.

Visitation will be from 4 until 8 pm Monday at the Colvin Funeral Home and from 9 a.m. until service time at the church. Military services will be conducted at the cemetery.