Ken Rotan

Ken Rotan, 86, of Delta Street, Carlsbad, New Mexico, passed away November 1, 2009 at his home. Visitation will be 3:00 PM - 7:00 PM, Wednesday, November 4, 2009 at Denton-Wood Funeral Home. Funeral services are scheduled for Thursday, November 5, 2009, 10:00 AM, at First Baptist Church with Pastor Bob Bacon officiating. Interment will follow in Carlsbad Cemetery, Carlsbad, New Mexico. Denton-Wood Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. Ken Rotan was born January 23, 1923 in Texline, Texas to John Throckmortan and Lucy (Judkins) Rotan. He graduated from Texline High School in 1940. Ken then attended college in Taft, California. He married Marie Ellis June 27, 1942 in Clayton, NM. Ken entered the Army Air Corps in February 1943, serving in India and Okinawa and was discharged in 1946 as a Staff Sergeant. He started his 41 year career with Southwestern Public Service Company and served as District Manager here in Carlsbad his last 20 years before retiring. Ken volunteered many hours in our community. He was a member and served as President of the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce, Carlsbad Industrial Action, Carlsbad Rotary Club and Carlsbad Toastmaster's Club. Ken was a longtime member of the First Baptist Church. He served on the Board of Directors for Carlsbad Medical Center, Carlsbad Community Foundation, Guadalupe Medical Center and served as President of United Way. He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers and a sister. Survivors include his wife, Marie Rotan; son, Richard Rotan and wife, Laura both of Carlsbad, NM; daughter, Melissa Gentry and husband, Mike of Houston, TX; five grandchildren: Shea Gentry, Caitlin Rotan, Cale Gentry, Cara Rotan and Kade Gentry. Pallbearers will be Mike Gentry, Shea Gentry, Cale Gentry, Kade Gentry, Caitlyn Rotan and Cara Rotan. Memorial contributions may be made to First Baptist Church, Building Our Vision Campaign, 112 N. Alameda Street, Carlsbad, NM 88220. Condolences may be expressed at dentonwood.com.