Kenneth Lee McLaren was born on February 4, 1955 in Alpena, Michigan and passed away on September 23, 2024 at his home in Centerville, Tennessee at the age of 69.

Ken is the son of the late Robert McLaren Jr. and Shirley McLaren (McFarland). Ken lived in Alpena until he was 8 and then moved to the Detroit area. He lived in the Madison Heights area until he married his first wife, Gail, on October 6, 1973. They would welcome three children into the world. Robert William on December 2, 1975; Andrea Elizabeth on July 10, 1978; and Nicholaus Frank on June 24, 1980. They would live in Warren, Michigan where Ken worked at The Chrysler Corporation. He was transferred to Delaware, and eventually they’d move to North Carolina where he worked as a shrimp troller.

Ken and Gail would divorce, and Ken would later get married to Denise. Denise had two sons, Shaun and Paul. Ken would be a big part of their lives and would keep in contact even after Denise and Ken split. After Denise, Ken would be in a relationship with Kim until she passed away from cancer.

He would also have another son, Brandon Lee, on May 29, 2004.

He would work various other jobs throughout his life, being a truck driver was his last. After retiring, he spent his time with family. He enjoyed driving through Michigan to pick up Brandon, and later Brandon’s girlfriend (Reyna) as well, on the way to The Biggest Little 4th in the North. After the reunion, he and Brandon would make their way home but making sure to take in some races and spend quality time together. Brandon simply said that “He was a loving father and a great man. He was the best dad.”

He loved his guns, Nascar, dirt track racing, and having a good time. Every year on the 4th of July, you could find him in Barton City, Michigan tending a fire and making memories with his family. He was a family first man. His many nieces and nephews would testify to his rich love for family and spending time together. Family members share stories of Ken being a jokester and pranking people, but also being a kind and loving uncle, father, and brother. A soft spoken and down-to-Earth approach to life was the way Ken lived. Loving his country, his family, and sharing a laugh with those closest to him. He will be remembered for being the best uncle, the best brother and friend to others, and the best dad by his sons.

Ken is preceded in death by his parents, Robert Jr. and Shirley, his sister Janet, brothers Lonnie, Steve, and Roger, and his daughter Andrea. He is survived by his two brothers, Lawrence and Glen, his three sons, Rob, Nick, and Brandon, numerous nieces and nephews, grandchildren, and two great grandchildren. The memories will remain in the hearts of those around him that he loved his family, his children and his Mountain Dew.

Ken’s wishes were to be cremated. There will be a memorial for him in Barton City in July of 2025.