Kenneth M. Gladfelter, 55, of Stafford County passed away Saturday, Sept. 22, 2012, at Inova Fairfax Hospital.

Ken grew up in York, Pa. He graduated from the U.S. Air Force Academy and faithfully served his country, retiring as a lieutenant colonel in 2002. He then moved to Virginia, where he worked as a management analyst with the Department of the Air Force.

In 2008, Ken received a heart transplant that blessed him with another four years with his family. He was a loving husband and father. He was known for his wonderful sense of humor and was loved by everyone who knew him. He loved the outdoors and was an avid bicyclist and fly fisherman. His greatest love was for his God and his family. He will be forever remembered and missed.

Survivors include his wife of 28 years, Kathy M. Gladfelter; son David M. Gladfelter of Winchester; daughter Kristen Gladfelter of Bozeman, Mont.; mother Louise Gladfelter of York; brothers Martin and Steve Gladfelter, both of York; sisters Linda Seitz of Westwood, N.J., Carol Graff of Lancaster, Pa., and Cathy Gavin and Lisa Schneider, both of York; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, Dean Gladfelter.

The family will receive friends from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 25, at Covenant Funeral Service, Fredericksburg.

A service will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 26, at Grace Church of Fredericksburg. Interment with military honors will follow in Quantico National Cemetery.

Online guest book is at covenantfuneralservice.com.