Kenneth Lawill Columbia

By Editor | March 27, 2025 |

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Kenneth Lawill Columbia, 67, passed away surrounded by his loving children, on March 13, 2025 in Fort Myers, Florida.
Ken was born October 4, 1957 in Paris Kentucky to Doris Conner Gray and Kenneth Columbia.
He attended Bourbon County High School but left to join the United States Army at the age of 17.
His earliest accomplishments were obtaining his GED followed by earning a Bachelors Degree (BBA) from Troy State University.
While serving his country, Ken obtained numerous medals, ribbons and citations. He was also able to travel the world during his 25 years of service.
After retiring, with an honorable discharge, he then went into a career in Bio Solutions and coastal shipping. After many years, Ken then completely retired to Fort Myers, Florida.
Ken loved spending time with his children, Melanie and Aaron, as often as possible. He was a big fan of the music arts. He especially loved the Blues and often traveled to many venues to enjoy this hobby, and many times with Melanie and Aaron.
He was an avid fan of University of Kentucky sports, attending numerous football and basketball games with his brother, Timmy. Whether at Commonwealth Stadium, Rupp Arena, Nashville, the 2011 Final Four in Houston, or the 2012 National Championship, they loved cheering on their Cats together! Ken also loved Keeneland in Lexington. He, and his brother, also attended both fall, and spring meets for over 25 years enjoying the sun, beers, burgoo and “betting on the ponies!” Ken always left with more money than he came with.
Ken loved his Harley-Davidson motorcycles, and was a lifetime rider, driving many miles, all around the world.
This past June, he was installed as a member to the “Old Sergeants Mess Shooting Club”, a prestigious club located in Bisley, England. He spent several weeks there, using old WWII shooting ranges, visited Stonehenge and sampled cheddar cheese, aged in the caves of Cheddar Gorge.
He truly enjoyed consuming Miller Lite. We, the family, worry about the “hit” that company will now suffer!
One of Ken’s greatest abilities was listening, and when asked, using wisdom to guide. He was honest, never pulled any punches and was loved by many. He will be missed by many, as well.
Ken was proceeded in death by his parents, as well as sisters Cindy Gray and Margaret Columbia.
He is survived by daughter Melanie Columbia, son Aaron (Jennifer) Driver and brother, Tim (LaDonna) Gray, as well as many grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
A private family service will be held, to include full military honors, conducted by the Hice-Shutes American Legion Post #170.
There will be a Celebration of Kenneth L. Columbia’s Life on Saturday, April 19th at The Whiskey House, 616 Main St, Paris, KY. All friends and family are invited and encouraged to attend and share a story with us about our beloved “Ken”. The celebration starts at 6 pm.
Contributions, in Ken’s honor, are suggested to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.