William Kenneth “Ken” McCarty, 93, born New Castle, KY April 19,1928 passed away May 6, 2021 joining his wife of 65 years. Married June 12, 1955, Ken was the loving husband to Phyllis Lee James McCarty, devoted father to his three children and proud grandfather of three grandchildren. Ken is survived by Marlene McCarty (Christine) daughter Guthrie; Jim McCarty (Libby) sons Riley and Charles; and Joanna McCarty-Rogers (Jeff, decd.); siblings Cecil McCarty (Peggy) and Linda McCarty Stewart (David, decd.) as well as two nieces and five nephews. Ken was preceded in death by his parents; father George Curtis (Curt) McCarty and mother Gladys Peyton McCarty; brother Harold Keith (H.K.) McCarty; and nephew Scott McCarty.

He learned the value of hard work growing up on a tobacco farm in Henry County. After graduating from Eastern Kentucky University, Ken received his masters from the University of Kentucky and through the Life Insurance Institute, Bryn Mawr, PA he was certified as a Chartered Life Underwriter. Recognizing education as the best tool to prepare oneself for the future, he encouraged and assisted many young people to pursue academic paths they had not envisioned. Believing education could change lives, he freely supported his children’s ambitious educational paths.

As a Sergeant in the U.S. Army, he served his country in the 169^th Infantry Regiment of the 43^rd Division planning and training for the 1^st Battalion. Stationed in Germany, it thrilled him to play on the regimental basketball and baseball teams. Baseball was his life-long passion. As a minor he and his younger brother clandestinely freight-hopped a train to Cincinnati to see the Reds play.

In civilian life, he began an enduring career in Life Insurance as a salesman for John Hancock Life Insurance Company. Always ambitious, he soon joined Shenandoah Life Insurance Company as a General Agent and Manager. After a successful tenure there he proceeded to co-found Triad Insurance Agency. Ken was instrumental in establishing the Lexington Chapter of Chartered Life Underwriters, and as an enthusiastic adjunct professor, he taught CLU classes at the University of Kentucky.

For both Ken and Phyllis their church played a significant role in their lives. Generous of heart, Ken gave unwavering support to the Methodist Church, whether it was teaching youth and adult Sunday School classes or serving in leadership positions. At Epworth United Methodist Church, he was Chairman of the Official Board. Later, moving to First United Methodist Church, he became Chairman of the Finance Committee. For the United Methodist Church Kentucky Conference he sat on the Board of Pensions and was a member of the committee overseeing the Unification of the Kentucky and Louisville Conferences. 

One of Ken McCarty’s most notable gifts to his immediate community was his exuberant and fervent coaching of youth baseball teams including, Babe Ruth and Connie Mack teams as well as the First United Methodist Church women’s softball team who advanced to national championships multiple times. Coaxing young players toward confidence, mutual respect, teamwork and pride he did more than just coach the game, he built stature and integrity. For this he will be fondly remembered by many in Lexington. Ken McCarty, rounded third with a full head of steam and slid into heaven’s home plate. SAFE!! 

Funeral Arrangements: 3:00 pm Monday, May 10 at Prewitt New Castle Funeral Home (425 North Main Street, New Castle, KY 40050 - T. 502-845-2917).  Visitation will be from 1 pm until service time. Service will be followed by Burial at the New Castle Cemetery. Flowers may be delivered to the funeral home or donations may be made to Bluegrass Care Navigators or Eastern Little League Lexington, KY.