Rev. Kenneth R. “Ken” Carbaugh, 92, died Tuesday, Jan. 30, 2018, with his loving wife, Trisha, by his side. Pastor Ken founded Our Saviour Lutheran Church on Shore Drive and served the congregation for 53 years.
His ministry and teaching attracted and inspired many and reflected the enduring love and grace of Christ our Lord.
Born Jan. 29, 1926, Ken grew up on a dairy farm in Stephens City – his firm handshake a testament to those early years spent milking cows.
He graduated from Roanoke College in 1949, where he pitched on the school’s baseball team. Called to the ministry, he graduated from Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia in 1953 and subsequently served as a U.S. Navy chaplain for the next three years. Stationed in post-war Japan, he honed his pastoral skills with homesick Marines and saw the world hitchhiking on Navy supply planes. The LCA sent him to Virginia Beach in 1956 where he established OSLC.
He loved church potluck suppers, playing pick-up softball games, teaching and preaching (Sunday services never postponed) and taking his sons to the ocean afterward during the summer – his typical half day off before getting back to the Lord’s work.
Son of the late Henry Clayton and Nellie Beaver Carbaugh, Ken was preceded in death by Elizabeth, the mother of his four sons; and brothers, Melvin and Henry.
He is survived by his wife, Trisha; brother, S. Mason; four sons, and daughters-in-law, Kenneth Jr., Edward (Mary), John (Kim) and William (Lauren); and seven grandchildren, Clayton, Edward, John Paul, Samuel, William, Caroline and Charlotte. Pastor Ken is beloved by the many people he faithfully pastored, mentored, taught and ministered.
A funeral service will be held at 1 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 7, at Our Saviour Lutheran Church with the Rev. Harry Griffith officiating. Burial will follow in Rosewood Memorial Park, 631 N. Witchduck Road. A reception will follow in Carbaugh Hall at OSLC.
Memorial donations in honor of Pastor Ken may be made to Our Saviour Lutheran Church, 4200 Shore Drive, Virginia Beach, VA 23455.
Share online condolences with the family at kellumfuneralhome.com.
