Kenneth Lady

Kenneth Lady, 74, of Santa Monica, California, and Ocean Springs, Mississippi, passed away, Monday, May 23rd after more than a four year battle with cancer. Ken was born in Santa Monica in 1941 to Kenneth Lady Sr. and Christeen Carney. He graduated from Santa Monica High School in 1958. After graduating high school, he joined the Army and served in Turkey and Germany. Upon returning, he attended California State University, Long Beach and later completed his masters in Criminology at Pepperdine University. On September 10, 1968, Ken married Donna Dee Hoffman in Santa Monica after a whirlwind courtship. Even without a chimney, the stork still delivered Derek Lady on April 15th 1972 (415 being the police code for disturbing the peace). Ken was a member of the Los Angeles Police Department for 30 years, serving honorably and reaching the rank of of lieutenant before retirement. He later became a lead investigator for the California Horse Racing Board. Always active in the community, Ken was president twice for the Santa Monica Optimist Club. He was Exalted Ruler of the Santa Monica Elks, Vice President of the California and Hawaii Elks Association as well their District Deputy. He belonged to numerous service clubs that supported the youth of Santa Monica including the Santa Monica Masons, the Boys and Girls Club, and the Town Club. Upon moving to Ocean Springs, Mississippi, he became not only active in the Ocean Springs Elks, but the Masons, and the Joppa Shrine. He still found time to volunteer at Gulfport International Airport and the Mary O’Keefe Cultural Center. Ken’s biggest focus in life were always on his family and many friends, both old and new. Everyone who knew him will remember him for his loyalty, sharp mind, generosity and his love of life. A visitation will be held from 4pm to 6pm on Thursday, June 2nd at Bradford O’Keefe Funeral Home, 911 Porter Ave, Ocean Springs, Mississippi, with a memorial service to follow at 6pm. Following the service at 7pm, a celebration of life will be held at the Ocean Springs Elks, 2501 Beachview Dr, Ocean Springs, Mississippi.