KENNETH EUGENE FAHSBENDER

April 13, 1928 – December 10, 2023

Bakersfield – Dr. Kenneth Eugene Fahsbender passed away peacefully at his home on December 10, 2023 with his daughter by his side. Ken was born on Friday, April 13, 1928 in Pontiac, Illinois to S.E. and Atta Fahsbender. He said that education, music, religion, baseball and hard work were all aspects of his life, which resulted from having hard working parents. He also had the good fortune to have lived on a farm and to have an older brother, Dale, as his playmate and friend. He went to his first Chicago Cubs game in 1938; he has been a lifelong Cubs fan!

Ken graduated from Illinois Wesleyan, served in the Army during the Korean War, graduated from the University of Illinois and eventually earned a Doctorate from Stanford University.

He moved to Shafter, California to become the band director at the high school. Ken married his beloved late wife, Mary Fahsbender, in June 1957. They were married for 65 years before she passed away. Ken moved to South High School in 1957 to open the new school. He wrote their Alma mater and fight songs, recently being named to the South High Hall of Honor. Ken went to Bakersfield College to build their band and to teach. In 1961 the Renegade Marching Band received the Sweepstakes Award at the Junior Rose Bowl band competition. They went on to play at the Seattle's World Fair in 1962. Ken and his family moved to Delaware in 1970 so he could become the Chairman of the music department at the University. He returned to Bakersfield College and his final position was Assistant Chancellor at Kern Community College District. He retired at 53 to devote his time to Stockdale Music that he and Mary had started. In his retirement he enjoyed traveling with his wife, spending time in Cambria, family vacations to Maui, playing golf and his saxophone. He also enjoyed conducting local musicals until he lost his eyesight to Glaucoma.

Awaiting Ken in heaven are his parents, S.E. and Atta, brother Dale, his loving wife Mary and his daughter Lori. He is survived by his children, Bryan (Teresa) Fahsbender and Sandy (George Clerou). His grandchildren John, Steven and Daniel Clerou, Haley Capetillo, Eric Fahsbender, Taylor Fahsbender, Adam Smith and Brian Fahsbender. Ken also leaves behind 20 great-grandchildren that he loved very much.

The family would like to thank Hoffmann Hospice and Dad's caregivers Virginia, Lessly and Jeanette for their loving care of Ken.

There will be a graveside service at the Historic Union Cemetery, 730 Potomac Ave. on January 20, 2024 at 12 pm.

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