Kenneth Vernon Murkett, 82, lost his battle with squamous cell carcinoma that he had been fighting for many years.  He passed away at Halifax Health Hospice in Port Orange, FL on June 27, 2022.

Ken was born in Norwich, CT on January 19, 1940, to Florence Kimball Murkett and Clarence E. Murkett. He was a 1958 graduate of Norwich Free Academy, where he excelled in baseball and basketball. Ken attended Thames Valley Community College. He served in the U.S. Army for 3 years as an MP and was stationed in Germany. Ken was very proud of his military service!

In 1966 he married the love of his life, Carol Jackman, at St. Patrick's Church in Enfield. They recently celebrated 56 years of marriage. Ken retired from the City of Norwich Fire Dept. after 32 years with the rank of Deputy Fire Chief. He served as Fire Marshall in Norwich and was a Chief Instructor at the CT State Fire School, where he taught for 10 years. This was a new program, and he was the first to retire from it. Ken loved the fire service and found great joy in teaching the profession to others. It has been said that Ken had no "off-switch"- anything he pursued was given 110%.

Ken & Carol had three beloved sons—Timothy, Jeffrey, and Daniel. Ken and the boys spent memorable times learning and excelling at hunting, fishing, and archery. He was an active member of Sprague Rod & Gun Club. The family did a lot of camping while the kids were growing up, trailering extensively from Maine to Florida.  Amusement parks and historical sites were regular parts of summer trip itineraries. Ken was fond of anything outdoors. He played competitive tennis and was an avid runner for many years, regularly competing in long-distance road races as a member of the Mohegan Striders running club. He completed various marathons, of which New York City was most memorable. In youth, Ken discovered the excitement of attending stockcar races. That thrill never left him, as he continually followed NASCAR throughout his life and traveled to many racetracks. Upon retirement, Ken pursued his interest in motorcycle riding, quickly becoming a Harley Davidson enthusiast. For many years, he and Carol did extensive bike trips throughout the Eastern U.S. and Canada on his '94 Harley Heritage Softail Classic. Most recently, Ken was a Road Captain for the New Smyrna Beach HOG Chapter.  He also belonged to the Daytona Beach HOG Chapter and, while in CT, the New London County HOG Chapter.

After retirement, Ken & Carol relocated to Florida, first in Hudson, before settling in Port Orange. For three years he had his "dream job" - working part-time at the Daytona International Speedway Fire Dept. Ken & Carol were enthusiastic members of the Polish American Pulaski Club of Daytona where they loved to dine & dance. They also enjoyed going on cruises, especially the Polka Cruises with Jimmy Sturr & Molly B. Ken was a life member of both the New London County Fire Chief's Assn and the Norwich Lodge of Elks. Ken was a loyal NRA member and he belonged to the Florida Lighthouse Assn.  He was a parishioner of the Basilica of St. Paul in Daytona Beach.

Ken was preceded in death by sons Daniel & Jeffrey. He is survived by his wife Carol, son Tim (Cindy) of Millbrae, CA; grandson William, grand-daughters Katherine & Eleanor. Also, sister Lori Lippmann, brothers Paul (Betsy) & Sereno (Linda), several nieces and nephews, many cousins and friends.

Funeral Mass to be held 10:30 AM Tuesday, July 26, 2022 at the Basilica of St. Paul in Daytona Beach, Florida.  Interment with military honors to be held 11 AM, Wednesday, July 27, 2022 at Cape Canaveral National Cemetery, Mims, Florida.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Patrick Cathedral School, 211 Broadway, Norwich, CT 06360, or American Diabetes Assn, PO Box 7023, Merrifield, VA  22116-7023.