Obituary of Ken Bolen

BOLEN - John Kenneth “Ken” Bolen, age 75, died on Monday, May 20, 2024, following a lengthy battle with lung cancer. He was born in Opelika, Alabama, on September 12, 1948, and grew up in Jacksonville. He and his parents were charter members of Parkwood Baptist Church. He served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War from 1969-1972, and was honorably discharged. He moved to the West Palm Beach area in the early 1980’s then back to Jacksonville in 2000. He was preceded in death by his father, John Chapman Bolen; his mother, Florine Harbin Bolen; his brother, Charles Jeffrey Bolen; and his closest and best friend, Robert “Bobby” Van Horn. He is survived by his wife, Lori L. Bolen; his brother, Stuart Chapman Bolen; his stepchildren, Joshua Lee Lordahl (Mackenzie) and Lyndsie Ann Lordahl; his step-grandchildren, Lucas Tyler Thirion, Thomas Foster Lordahl, and Katherine Quinn Lordahl, and numerous other family members. Ken stepped into our lives 24 years ago, joined our family and poured his love into all of us. He was a devoted husband and wholeheartedly took on the roles of stepfather and Papa. He loved traveling, sailing, boating, fishing, attending Little League games and school programs, and being outdoors. He was our cheerleader. He was thrilled each time a fish was caught, a baseball was hit, or an out was made, and he eagerly celebrated many other accomplishments in all our lives. He will forever live on in our memories and in our hearts. At Ken’s request, he will be cremated and there will be a private memorial service to spread his ashes at sea.