Kennieth Ray Mysinger, Jr.

Kennieth Ray Mysinger Jr, 63, affectionately known as "Coach Ken," passed away in Fairfield, OH, on July 18, 2021.

Beloved husband of Elizabeth Mitchell-Mysinger; loving father of Nicole (Justin) Duty of Cincinnati, Jessica Mysinger of Columbus, and Erica (Christopher) Dinkelacker of Fort Benning, GA; dearest Papa of Nolan Duty, Adelina Dinkelacker, and baby Duty due in November; brother of James, Theodore (Elizabeth), Samuel, Joy, and David Mysinger, brother-in-law of William, Stephen, Thomas, James, and Sharon Mitchell; and many extended family members and friends, including special nieces Trisha Mysinger, Cassandra Mysinger, and Samantha (Jon) Blechinger.

Ken was born and raised in Toledo, OH, and graduated from Northwood High School in 1976. At the age of 18, Ken joined the United States Air Force, where he served as a Postal Operations Specialist for the majority of his career. He was also a part of the Air Force Track Team, representing the United States in races all over the world, including finishing the 1980 Athens Greece Marathon in the ancient Olympic stadium. He was an incredibly proud Servicemember and a talented runner.

After his active duty career, Ken transferred into the Air National Guard, where he met his future wife. On September 25, 1987, after only 8 weeks of dating, Ken and Liz eloped at a courthouse in Alpena, Michigan during their guard unit’s 2-week Annual Training. They were happily married for almost 34 years. His last years in the military were spent instructing others in Nuclear, Chemical, and Biological Warfare Survival Skills and as unit historian for the 180 ^th Tactical Fighter Wing stationed at Toledo Express Airport.

Ken worked for the U.S. Postal Service for over 16 years while attending Bowling Green State University to become a teacher, eventually earning his Masters of Education.  Ken also ran for the BGSU track team. He passionately taught English and History at Lake Middle School in Millbury, OH, and Lindale Middle School near Baltimore, MD. Ken shared his love of running and coached many Lake students in track, cross country, basketball, and soccer. As a teacher and coach, Ken was tough, honest, and had the highest expectations of his students and athletes, yet he was always considerate, supportive, and dedicated to the betterment of those in his care. Coach Ken touched the lives of many young students and will be forever loved and cherished by those that knew him.

One of Ken’s greatest joys was his family. Ken was an exceptional husband, father, and grandfather whose memory and spirit will live on in us all, especially “Papa’s Little Buddy,” Nolan. Ken retired from teaching to take on the role as daytime caregiver for Nolan. The time spent with his grandbabies was most precious. Ken’s other joys included woodworking, where he spent hours turning at his lathe, calligraphy, reading, and singing. He spent many years as a youth soccer referee, where some of his best memories were refereeing alongside his daughters.

Ken was preceded in death by his parents, Doris (Hughes) and Kennieth Mysinger, Sr.

A Celebration of Life for Ken will be held at Lake High School gym and track (28080 Lemoyne Road, Millbury, OH 43447) on Saturday, July 31 ^st from 1 to 3:30pm. Please wear your athletic gear, as we will be running (or walking) a final “Bell Lap” for Coach Ken. We will start a Dedication Hour at 1:30pm for those who wish to share a short memory or story about their time with Coach Ken before heading to the track for his final lap. After the memorial’s conclusion, all are welcome to remain at Lake High School until 6pm to enjoy food, drink, and friends.

In lieu of flowers and in honor of Ken’s lifelong love and support of nature and athletics, memorial contributions may be made to the Metroparks Toledo Foundation , or to Lake Local Schools in care of the Athletics Department.

Those wishing to express a word of encouragement, share a memory or photo may do so on the virtual guestbook below.