Kenneth E. Waller

Kenneth E. Waller, 83, of Sterling, Virginia, a man known for his strong character, friendly demeanor, funny jokes and laughter, and his smile, was surrounded by loved ones when he was called home to be with the Lord on Sunday, February 18, 2024. Ken was born on July 10, 1940, in Princeton, AL, to the late Herman C. Waller and Esta Mae Waller. Ken was a beloved husband to his loving, wife Joy; a devoted father to his two daughters Salena and Dana; and proud papa to his beautiful granddaughter Isabel. 

Ken led a remarkable life, living for others through service. He was a pillar of strength, source of inspiration, and had a unique ability to connect with people. Family and friends have shared expressions of gratitude, reflecting on the profound impact he had on their lives and faith in God. They viewed his kindness and support as a beacon of light. Many have shared of the bond they had with Ken (and Joy) as second parents; and have said the Waller home became their safe haven where many felt secure, accepted and loved unconditionally.

Ken spent his early years with his family living at Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, Alabama. He graduated from Butler High School before joining the United States (US) Air Force. He was a proud veteran having honorably served at Hahn Air Force Base near Kirchberg, Germany and Wheelus Air Force Base in Libya. After his military service he joined the US Federal Government working for the US Postal Service in Washington, D.C.; the NASA Goddard Space Center in Greenbelt, MD; and the US Department of the Interior, US Geological Survey in Reston, VA. Ken spent his entire career in Information Technology working in and managing data centers. He retired with more than 30 years of federal service. 

Throughout his career Ken built many friendships and never met a stranger. He hadn’t retired long before finding a new passion in the hotel industry where he worked with incredible people who have become life-long friends. Additional friendships extend to travelers from all walks of life who loved his jokes, heard about his family, especially his granddaughter. 

For more than 30 years Ken played and coached adult men’s slow-pitch softball. He coached for many teams traveling across the country, to include Knights Insurance, Sloper’s, So Jern Specialty Tank, Dozer Associates, Charlie’s Tuna, Shen Valley, and Taylor Brothers. In addition to his passion for softball, his enthusiasm for his favorite college football team, University of Alabama Crimson Tide, never wavered. His Big Al mascot (a stuffed elephant) was always close by. He spent many football games on the phone with his sister and nephew talking about the various plays. Roll Tide!!!!

Ken is survived by his loving wife, Joy Waller; daughters, Salena Hauck (Todd), Dana Scienski (Dennis), and his “third” daughter (granddaughter) Isabel. Also surviving is his brother Larinda Waller (Pam); sister Patricia Hodnett (James); and sister-in-law Vivian Smith; nieces and nephews: Teresa Williams (Timothy); Jennifer Jones; Regina Sigler (Todd); Jason Waller (Cari); Brian Hodnett; Nathan Waller (Tanya); Erin Waller; and great-nieces and nephews: Roy (Katrina), Kyle (Ashley), Julia (Johnny), Lindsay (Bryan), Lauren J., Emily, Lauren W., Meagan, and David; and, many great-great-nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Ken was preceded in death by his sister Evaline Lusk, his parents-in-law Roy and Lucille Webb, brother-in-law Thomas Smith, and nephew-in-law Larry Jones Jr.

The family will receive friends from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm on Thursday, February 29, 2024, at Stauffer Funeral Homes, P.A. 1100 North Maple Avenue in Brunswick, MD.

A celebration of Kenneth's life will take place at 1:00 pm on Friday, March 1, 2024, at the funeral home. Graveside service will follow at Park Heights Cemetery.