Lt. Col. Kenneth J. Conatser passed away on December 5, 2021, in Kennewick, WA at the age of 68. He was born July 10, 1953, in Prosser, WA to J.C. and Mary Conatser. Ken’s passion for hunting and fishing began at a young age, thanks to his father and grandfather. Childhood life also included helping with the family’s dairy farm. The friendships he developed throughout his school years remain strong to this day. Later in life, he mastered woodworking which he shared with family and friends. Ken was a renaissance man who loved fiercely and was committed to his family, country, and Jesus.
Ken graduated Prosser High School 1971; attended Big Bend Community College is Moses Lake where he studied aeronautics and obtained his flight certification. His passion for flying and the love of his country led him to enlist in the ROTC USMC, 1973. He was sent to flight school in Pensacola, Florida as a 2nd Lt. He later received his undergraduate degree from Central Washington University in Aerospace Science in 1980 and completed his master’s degree Washington State University. Lastly, he attended “Command and Staff” Graduate School Quantico, VA graduating in 1987.
During his military career (1973 - 1997) Ken and his family were stationed in many states (WA, FL, NC, CA, VA, DC) but he always called Prosser, WA his home.
During his lifetime career with the USMC, he achieved ranks from 2nd Lt. to Lt. Colonel. He held the positions of Liaison Officer to the 9th Marine Regiment, Logistics Officer for Attack Helicopter Squadron, Operations Officer for Attack Helicopter Squadron, Executive Officer of HMLA 369 (Camp Pendleton, CA), Chief of Naval Operations Strategy and Concepts Branch N513 at the Pentagon, and Commanding Officer of HMLA 167 (MCAS New River, NC). He served tours in Okinawa, Korea, Japan, and led his attack helicopter squadron (HMLA 369 – Camp Pendleton, CA) through the blackened skies of Desert Storm. “Nasty”, Ken’s call sign, was a brother Marine from the beginning; always eager to help and serve anyone who needed him at any time. The USMC brought many Marine lifelong brothers into his life. Ken retired from the USMC in Spring of 1997 after 24 years of service. After retirement, his passion for the outdoors continued. Joint ventures included operations of a gun store, shooting range and master hunting/fishing guide services (Flatwoods Outfitters, NC, Rack Buck Hollow, SC and Bowlin Camps, ME).
Survived by his wife, Eunice; his 3 children Christine, Jason and Michael and their spouses; and 2 stepchildren Nicholas and Kyle and their spouses; 12 grandchildren; 1 great grandchild; his mother Mary; sister Kathy; 3 nieces as well as many extended family members and close friends.
Preceded in death by his late wife Valerie, mother of Christine, Jason and Michael; and his father J.C.
Services will be held at 2pm on January 29th, 2022, at Bethel Church in Prosser, WA. Reception to follow.
Family kindly requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Wounded Warrior Project through the following link: https://communityfundraising.woundedwarriorproject.org/campaign/Lt-Col-Kenneth-J-Conatser
You may leave a message for the family at www.Prosserfuneralhome.com