Kenneth V. Carr

A hand on your shoulder.  A smile that drew you in.  A song on his lips.  He knew how to make you feel noticed, important, even loved. He had a gift and he shared it as best as he was able. 

Kenneth Carr was surrounded by beauty all of his life.  His home, from infancy, was a beauty shop.  It was there he learned his secrets.  Ken furthered those skills in Goodyear’s machine shop where worked for over 42 years providing for those he loved.  He loved coaching baseball and football.  His players loved him back.  One of Ken’s more lasting gifts was leading the drive to bring pee wee football to his beloved Springfield Township. The plaque they gave him proudly proclaimed, “Patience is your Virtue.”  Seven sandings and coats of lacquer on every piece of furniture he carefully and skillfully made back up those words.

Ken met Shirley in high school and they never parted till Shirley’s death in April of 2021. They enjoyed 67½ years together. Ken rejoined her on June 12, 2022.  They shared that love, surrounded by a large family of loved ones: their son Scott’s family includes Beth, Joshua Carr, and Jessica and Joshua Jones; their son David’s family includes Caren, Andrew & Amber Carr, Casandra Mawanda, Caleb and Sarah Carr, and Annette and Micah Ridenour. They graced Ken with 5 great-grandchildren.

Ken was also born into His Church family at First Evangelical Congregational Church in Firestone Park. There he learned to love and serve His Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  He also led the congregational singing in one way or another for over 60 years. 

He loved filling his grandchildren’s minds with the stories he made up, stories he personalized just for them, and songs no one knew how he knew. It didn’t matter to their bright eager minds.  Ken loved well.  Ken loved many.  He was loved well by many. He will be missed greatly. Dad had a good life he shared with good people.

I asked Dad on more than one occasion what he wanted most other than to be with Mom. The answer I’ll always remember is, “I want to sing in heaven’s choir.”  Dad, spring training has returned.  You’ve been invited. Practice your part.  You finally made it to the big leagues.

May our hearts always be full of your love and your songs; may we see your beauty in every picture we take.

May his circle be unbroken.

You are invited to join us for calling hours at Eckard Baldwin Funeral Home, 760 E. Market St., Akron, 44305 on Thursday, June 16, 2022 from 4 - 7 p.m. and again on Friday at 11 a.m. for Ken’s final victory service.  Scott & the Reverend David Carr will officiate. 

Please share your thoughts and condolences by visiting his Tribute Wall above.

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