CASTLE HAYNE — Charles “Ken” O’Quinn, age 85, of Castle Hayne, North Carolina passed away on Saturday, November 30, 2024. He was born May 17, 1939 in Hickman’s Crossroad to Wayland Meares O’Quinn and Carrie Inez O’Quinn.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Jo Ann O’Quinn.
He is survived by his daughter: Sharon O’Quinn, a brother: Jerry O’Quinn and his wife, Gwen, niece and her husband: Carman and Dave Long, a nephew and his wife: Ryan and Alison O’Quinn and their son: Aiden O’Quinn.
He served in the United States Air Force for 20 years. He worked for the White House Communications Agency from 1970 to 1978. He retired from the Air Force on August 31, 1978. While with the White House Communications Agency, he went to 49 countries and 46 states. He served under Presidents Nixon, Ford and Carter. He cruised aboard the yacht Sequoia as a guest of President Ford in May of 1975. He participated in the Presidential visit to the People’s Republic of China in February, 1972 where he was designated a member of the order of the New China Hands by President Nixon. He participated in the Moscow Summit visit to Syria, USSR, Iran, and Poland in 1972 with President Nixon. He was awarded the Presidential Service Certificate for Honorable Service in the White House by direction of President Nixon on July 23, 1971.
He was a loving dad, husband, son and brother. He loved fishing, oystering and was happy on the water.
He worked at New Hanover Regional Medical Center for 17 years as a biomedical engineer.
A visitation for Ken will be held Wednesday, December 4, 2024 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Coble Funeral & Cremation Service at Greenlawn Memorial Park, 1155 Shipyard Blvd, Wilmington, North Carolina 28412.
A funeral service will occur Thursday, December 5, 2024 at 11:00 AM at Bethany Presbyterian Church, 2237 Castle Hayne Road. Burial will follow at Oleander Memorial Gardens.
Donations may be to Bethany Presbyterian Church, Lower Cape Fear LifeCare Hospice or The American Legion Post 10.
