Jun 15, 2021

Kenneth G. Himelrick, 80, of Parkersburg, W.Va., and formerly of Washington, died Saturday, June 12, 2021, at West Virginia University Medicine Camden Clark Medical Center.

Kenneth was born January 2, 1941, in Wheeling, W.Va. Hewas the son of Erma and Kenneth Himelrick. His childhood was spent inHarrisville, W.Va., Salem, N.J. and Parkersburg, W.Va.

He was a 1959 graduate of Parkersburg High School, where heproudly played trumpet in the Big Red Band. Upon graduation, he attended Marietta College, where he received a bachelor of science degree inchemistry.

Following his graduation from Marietta, he was employed as a chemist by American Cyanamid and subsequently by Borg-Warner. At Borg-Warner, he moved into management, becoming a senior manager in their Research and Development division. He remained with Borg-Warner, which was later acquired by General Electric, for many years. While at General Electric, he received several patents for plastic compounds and processes. After his relocation to the Pittsburgh area in the 1990s, he was employed as the vice president and technology director of Washington-Penn Plastics. He was a member of the Society of Plastics Engineers.

He was married to Pamela in the early 1960s until her death in 2016. After Pam’s passing, Ken relocated to Parkersburg and fulfilled many of his lifelong dreams. These included multiple trips to Europe with his childhood friend, John Chumley. They traveled to Switzerland, Germany, Italy, France and Britain. Ken enjoyed these trips tremendously, especially those to Switzerland, which was his favorite place on earth. He first visited Switzerland during his time at Borg-Warner, and revisited many times in recent years, telling stories of the Swiss Alps fondly. He also traveled to Holland and The Netherlands, where he reconnected with friends from his days at Borg-Warner/General Electric. He also fulfilled a dream of traveling to the Canary Islands, taking the day-long flight across the globe with Chumley in 2019. Each trip contained many stories with which he regaled his family after arriving home.

In his final years, Ken made the most of life. In addition to his travels, he made new friends in Parkersburg. He was a regular at Shoney’s and Bob Evans, where he made new friends with his interesting stories of world travel and life. He enjoyed meals out with friends and family. Ken also enjoyed technology and was always buying new gadgets. He also fulfilled a childhood dream of becoming a Ham Radio operator and was licensed in 2020.

Ken was preceded in death by his parents and wife, Pamela.

He is survived by his son, John (Cheryl) of Parkersburg; daughter, Sara Hassett (Tom) of Denver, N.C.; and grandson, Bryce Himelrick of Parkersburg. He is also survived by numerous friends, with whom he made many memories,especially in his final years.

Visitation will be in the Leavitt Funeral Home in Parkersburg from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday and from 10 a.m. until 11 a.m., the time of service, Wednesday, June 16, with Reverend Kevin Lantz officiating. Burial will be in Mt. Olivet Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Humane Society of Parkersburg, 530 29th Street, Parkersburg, WV 26101.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.leavittfuneralhome.com