Kenneth Hill Shaner

Kenneth Hill Shaner, age 87, of Statesville, NC, passed into the presence of his Lord on April 9, 2025. 

Ken was born on October 23, 1937, to Lee and Jeane Shaner in Leechburg, a small town in western Pennsylvania. He spent his childhood in the outdoors, where he developed a love for hunting and fishing. After graduating high school, he attended Thiel College in Greenville, PA, where he met his wife and the love of his life, Carolyn. He completed his Master’s degree in Chemistry at the University of Kentucky and taught there for several years. 

Ken and Carolyn were married in 1961 and raised their three children in various states across the US. Ken worked many years as a research chemist, but it was his job as an environmental supervisor for a paper mill that took them to Oregon where he fell in love with the Pacific Northwest. Ken loved nature and spent his free time salmon fishing, crabbing and logging. He also enjoyed carpentry and woodworking - a true handyman. As the years passed, Ken and Carolyn built and opened a frame shop where they enjoyed learning a new skill and working together. 

Ken and Carolyn enjoyed traveling with friends in their motor home across the US and were fortunate to visit many countries around the world. After retirement, Ken and Carolyn moved back to Statesville to be close to family. Ken was a member of the Troutman Wood ministry and enjoyed serving his church in various capacities. Ken’s love for God was apparent throughout his life. He will be remembered as a devoted husband, a loving, generous father and grandfather and a diligent servant of his Lord. 

Ken was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Carolyn Ann Neil Shaner. He is survived by his three children, Laine (Tripp), Brian (Holly) and Scott; his five grandchildren, Ryan (Jane), Lindsay (Zac), Maddie (Melissa), Bowen (Janine) and Hayden; and his four great-grandchildren, Benjamin, Rhys, Georgeanna and Lenna. 

A visitation for family and friends will be held at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Statesville on Saturday, April 19 at 10 am, followed by a celebration of life at 11 am. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. John’s Lutheran Church, 740 N. Center St., Statesville, NC 28677 or by clicking here

Nicholson Funeral Home is honored to serve the Shaner family.