Kenneth Edward Nivens

Kenneth "Ken" Edward Nivens passed away Thursday, February 1, 2018 peacefully at the Clarehouse hospice house in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He was 88.

Ken was born December 2, 1929 in Baxter Springs, Kansas to Fern (Hampton) and Herman E. Nivens. He grew up on the border of Kansas and Oklahoma.

In 1947, Ken graduated from Quapaw High School. Shortly after graduation he enlisted in the United States Marines and served our country as a Staff Sergeant for four years and earned the Good Conduct Medal.

After Ken was in the service he met the love of his life, Barbra Sue Dowty. They married on June 6, 1953 in Baxter Springs, Kansas. The start of their marriage was the start of a road trip. They began living in Chicago, Illinois for a little over 2 years and then moved to Stillwater, Oklahoma for Ken to attendOklahoma State University where he earned a Bachelors of Science in Marketing in 1959. After graduation, the couple moved to Enid, Oklahoma until 1991 when they moved to Grove to be by Grand Lake. They lived there for 23 years until they made their last stop in Tulsa, Oklahoma in 2014.

He was employed with Blue Circle Cement as a Sales Representative.

Ken was a member of Central Christian Church in Enid, Oklahoma where he served as a deacon, an elder, on the Board and as the church’s Boy Scout Troop 2 leader for 3 years. He was also a member of AMBUCS, American Business Clubs.

Ken enjoyed the time he could spend outside whether it was golfing or fishing on Grand Lake. He was a handyman in the house and in the garage and “flipped houses” before the phrase was invented. Ken loved to restore antique cars and took part inthe restoration of the Geronimo for the Enid Automotive Club. He will be remembered for having a great sense of humor. He would tell stories and make everyone in the room laugh.

Ken is preceded in death by his parents, Fern (Hampton) Nivens Craig and Herman E. Nivens and four sisters and two brothers.

Survivors include his loving wife, Sue (Dowty) Nivens and three sons: Steve Nivens and his wife, Mary, Greg Nivens and his wife, Beth, and Scott Nivens. He also leaves five grandchildren: Kaley Pate and her husband, Tom, Colin Nivens, Brett Nivens, Brad Nivens, and Alex Nivens; and one great-grandson, Jackson Pate.

In Lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of Ken Nivens to Clarehouse; 7617 S Mingo Rd. Tulsa, OK 74133.

Arrangements are entrusted to Schaudt's Funeral Service - Tulsa. Family and friends may send memories and condolences to the family, online at www.schaudtfuneralservice.com.