Kenneth Walter Speth

Beloved husband, father, and veteran.

Ken was born to Charles and Mary Speth in Los Angeles, California, on March 29, 1945. He grew up in Lawndale with his five siblings until the family home was taken by eminent domain to build the 405 Freeway. In 1960, they relocated to Hawthorne, California.

As a young man, Ken enjoyed the Beach Boys, sports activities, hot rods, and hanging out at A&W in Hawthorne with his brother and his car club buddies. He graduated from Leuzinger High School and briefly worked at a local drugstore before enlisting in the Navy Reserves in 1963. In 1967, he was recalled to active duty and served aboard the USS Wiltsie during the Vietnam War as a Storekeeper Third Class (SK3), Petty Officer E-4. He was honorably discharged in 1969.

After returning from the war, Ken worked at Hughes Aircraft. He married Tonya and together they had a daughter, Teresa, born in 1972. They later separated in 1979.

In 1982, Ken married Sharon, whom he met at Hughes Aircraft. They made their home in Hawthorne and raised Sharon’s daughter, Tanya, who was seven at the time. Ken and Sharon celebrated their 43rd wedding anniversary on May 15, 2025.

Ken was a quiet soul who found joy in spending time at home with Sharon. He loved cooking and was known for his stuffed potatoes, Chinese chicken salad, and fresh salsa. He occasionally golfed and played poker. He loved watching wrestling, tennis, John Wayne movies, and football - especially cheering for the Kansas City Chiefs.

Ken was preceded in death by his sister, Mary Lou Daley. He is survived by his wife, Sharon Speth; his brothers, Stanley and Steven Speth; his sisters, Kathy Nelson and Ruth Ann Odum; his stepdaughter, Tanya Kulaga; his daughter, Teresa Spurgeon and his granddaughter Althea Wilson.

In accordance with his wishes, there will be no formal service. His ashes will be spread across the ocean by the Navy.