Henry Kennedy Otken, known to all as “Ken,” a beloved father, brother, uncle and loyal friend to many was called home by his Lord and Savior on January 11, 2025, at Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center. He was born in New Orleans, LA on May 19, 1964, and raised in Baton Rouge since birth and was a resident of Hammond, LA. He was surrounded by his family as he departed this world.
He is survived by daughters Malia Danae Otken of Denham Springs, and Taylor Reid Otken of Baton Rouge, granddaughters Summer Elizabeth Ginn and Melody Elise Varnado, sister Betsy Otken Barnes of Baton Rouge and nephew George “Peyton” Kennedy North of Manhattan, NY, brother James Webster Otken and wife Michelle (Jolie), nieces Emily Ames Otken and Ella Jane Otken of Denham Springs, and many cousins.
Ken was preceded in death by his parents Henry Lea Otken and Betty Jane Kennedy Otken of Baton Rouge, grandparents Dr. Charles M. and Ella Morosko Otken of Falfurrias TX, Dr. Henry Webster Kennedy and Frances Weeks Kennedy of Greenwood MS.
Ken grew up in Broadmoor attending neighborhood Broadmoor Elementary, Jr. High and High School making him a “true Buccaneer.: He attended Nicholls State University. As a youth and teen, he loved competing in football, baseball, and swim and tennis teams at the Aquatic Club of Baton Rouge. He loved Mustangs and the New Orleans Saints. He had an extraordinary gift of creating automated electrical systems, had an extensive collection of movies and film and was an accomplished gamer. He adored his daughters and granddaughters, cooking and trying new recipes with them.
Throughout his 35+ year career as a highly skilled computer technician, Information System and Technology professional, Ken’s level of expertise grew as did his commitment to serving others. From his years of employment at Gulf Coast Office Products, Nerdworks, Honeywell Information Systems and as the Information System Coordinator and Help Desk trainer for Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady Health Systems until his unexpected death, Ken’s intelligence and quest for knowledge, solving complex computer system programs and training others was a driving force in his life. Ken also served on the Baton Rouge City Police Reserve Force in the late 1980’s and studied Christian ministry.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Saturday, January 18, 2025, at Live Oak Church located at 34890 LA Highway 16, Denham Springs, 70706. Visitation will begin at 9 a.m. until Celebration of Life Service at 11 a.m. Lunch served immediately following the service at Live Oak Church Family Life Center. Burial will take place at a later date at Live Oak Church Cemetery. Seale Funeral Home is responsible for arrangements.
Pallbearers are Jim Otken, John Oglesby, Stephen Albin, Tony Thomas, Bobby Walton, Myles Kuhn and Peyton North.
Ken was a man of few words but impacted many with his smile, quick wit and unique perspective. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to the charity of your choice.
