Kenneth Russell Cork
Marriages
Ruby Rogers - May 2, 1950
Obituaries
Steamboat Pilot - February 17, 2007
Kenneth R. Cork
October 1, 1924 - January 30, 2007
Steamboat Springs resident Kenneth Russell Cork passed away at the Doak Walker Care Center on Jan. 30, 2007. He was 82.
Ken was born Oct. 1, 1924, in the mining town of McGregory just west of Milner. Ken's parents were Loyd Kenneth Cork and Pearl (Polar) Cork.
Ken grew up and attended school in the Hayden area.
Ken enlisted in the U.S. Army in October 1942 and served in the South Pacific in the 152nd Infantry Division. Ken was awarded two Purple Hearts, the World War II Victory Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Asiatic Pacific Service Medal and the Bronze Star.
The local paper read, "Oak Creek soldier awarded the Bronze Star. For heroic service against the enemy during the 38th Cyclone division's 16-day battle for Zig Zag pass, East of Olongapo, PFC. Kenneth R. Cork of Oak Creek has been awarded the Bronze Star medal. During an attack against a heavily defended enemy position, Cork saw an automatic rifleman of his company become a casualty, thereby rendering this important weapon inactive. At the risk of his life, he immediately crawled approximately 20 yards through the enemy machine gun fire directed at him and recovered the weapon. Disregarding the withering enemy fire, he seized the gun and put it into action. This increased firepower at a critical period enabled Cork's platoon to speedily knock out the enemy position. Cork, a member of company F 152nd Infantry, has been overseas 17 months, and he served previously in Hawaii, New Guinea and Leyte."
Ken was honorably discharged on Nov. 14, 1945. Ken re-enlisted on Jan. 3, 1947, in the 11th Airborne Division. Ken was promoted to the rank of sergeant and became a qualified gliderist assigned to the 187th Glider Infantry. Ken was discharged from the U.S. Army in late 1949, and he returned to the Yampa Valley.
Ken worked as a plow truck driver on Rabbit Ears Pass in 1949. Ken met his wife, Ruby Rogers, in Steamboat Springs in 1949, and the two were married in Meeker on May 2, 1950. Ken and Ruby made their home in Oak Creek, where Ken worked for the P&M Edna Mine for about 34 years.
In his early days, Ken enjoyed hunting, fishing and driving stock cars. Ken drove stock cars at the Steamboat and Craig racetracks. In his later years, Ken enjoyed playing cards with friends and taking care of his beloved wife. Ken lost his wife of 54 years in May 2004. Ken often stated that he could not wait to see her again, and now they are together.
Ken is survived by his sister, Arlene Zato of Craig; son, Loyd Cork of Arkansas; and son, Dean Cork of Hayden.
At Ken's request, there will be no services.
Donations in lieu of flowers may be sent to The Historical Society of Oak Creek and Phippsburg at P.O. Box 1, Oak Creek, CO 80467.
