1942—2018
James Kenneth Rambo, ‘Ken,’ age 75, passed away March 28, 2018. Ken passed away in a drag racing accident at the Sonoma Raceway. Ken was born in Searcy, Arkansas on June 23, 1942, to Cecil and Lorene Rambo (both deceased). Ken lived in Richmond, California until he was four-years-old, then moved to Napa, California. Ken lived in Napa for 71 years and attended Napa High School class of 1960. Ken married Marilyn Garcia in November 1966. Together they raised three children, Michael, Allen and Jeffery Rambo. Michael and Allen both passed away; Michael passed away in 2001 and Allen passed away in 1998. He was a veteran of the United States Air Force, joined in 1961. After serving in the Air Force, Ken started his 43-year career in telecommunications with Western Electric, which became Lucent Technologies and Ken left Lucent Technologies and continued to work for the National Parks at the Presidio in San Francisco, California. Ken Rambo retired in July 2008.
Ken had spent his time coaching little league when his children were young. He also served as president of the board of directors for Pop Warner football. Ken had a passion for racing. Ken began his passion for racing with motorcycles. Eventually, he started participating in demolition derbies and for the past thirty years, Ken had been drag racing with his son, Jeffery Rambo, and grandson, Matthew Rambo.
Ken is survived by his wife of 51 years, Marilyn Rambo. His son Jeffery and his wife Jeanena Rambo. Along with six grandchildren: Courtney Becerra, Nicole, Tim, Matt, Andrew, and Alison Rambo. We will miss you, Papa.
Ken will be receiving full military honors on April 20, 2018 at Tulocay Cemetery Funeral Home at 2:00 P.M. Located at 411 Coombsville Rd, Napa, CA 94558. All are welcome to honor and remember Ken.
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