Kenneth A. Myers, Ph.D., from Centerville, VA, passed away suddenly in his home on Nov 28th. He was 79 years old. Ken is survived by his wife, Leanor Myers, after a loving and committed marriage spanning 56 years. They have 5 children, Ken Jr, Lisa, Leanna, Keith and Kevin, and two wonderful grandchildren, Lillian and Kayden. He is also survived by his sister, Darlene, who lives in St Thomas, PA. In addition, he had two daughter in laws, Amy and Jen, one son in law, Oliver, and 3 grand dogs. His parents Richard, maternal mother Helen Heinbaugh and stepmother Esta Decker passed away several years ago. A long standing member of Lord of Life Lutheran Church, Ken's biggest joys were being with his family, camaraderie of friends, education, church, travel and dedication to the Air Force that continued after retirement into the private sector where he worked up until his death. Ken was born Sept 11, 1942, in Waynesboro, PA. He attended James Buchanan High School in Mercersburg, PA, where after graduation went to the prestigious Penn State University and graduated with a BS in Aerospace Engineering/Distinguished Military Graduate in the Reserve Officer Training Corps in 1964. In addition, he was a member of Tau Kappa Epsilon (TKE) Pi Chapter. Ken's love for education and duty to country continued after Penn State where he was called to active duty in June of 1965 at the Air Force Institute of Technology/Resident School of Engineering at Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio. While there Ken completed his Master's Degree in Astronautics (1967). Ken's additional academic achievements included earning a PhD in Aerospace Engineering/Distinguished Graduate, The University of Texas at Austin (1974), MA Business Management, The University of Nebraska at Lincoln (1980) and MPS-Master of Political Science from Auburn University at Montgomery (1986). Most notably amidst his studies, being an active duty Officer and providing for his family, Ken was a key creator in the development of an on-orbit test and operation of a new satellite system for the Department of Defense. We more commonly recognize this today as GPS technology. Throughout his military and civilian career, his research and development to monitor a series of operational space systems were and are of major national importance. Ken's dedication and commitment to his country spanned 28 years of service and received the honorable rank of Colonel in 1985. While serving in the Air Force, Colonel Myers had numerous assignments and retired from active duty as Deputy Director for National Systems, Defense Intelligence Agency/ODN in Arlington, VA. He continued his education while in the Air Force and completed a SOS Correspondence Course (1970), ACSC Seminar Program (1976), National Security Management Course (1983) and Air War College/Resident School (1986). In addition, Colonel Myers received several Awards and Decorations: AF Commendation Medal (1970), AF Meritorious Service Medal (1977); OLC (1980), Defense Meritorious Service Medal (1985) and Master Space Badge (1984). Most recently, Ken worked at SAIC as a Manager, Systems Engineering/Technical Fellow National Security Group in Chantilly, VA. Ken's other passions were being active in several Professional Groups/Societies: Planetary Society, Air Force Association, National Space Society and the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics where he reached the status of Emeritus. A Visitation will be held at Fairfax Memorial Funeral Home, 9902 Braddock Rd. Fairfax, VA on Thursday, December 16, 2021 from 2 till 4 and 6 till 8 PM. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Shriners Hospital, Ken Myers Memorial, 2900 N Rocky Point Dr., Tampa, FL 33607 (www.shrinershospitals.org). A military funeral with full honors will be held at a later date at Arlington National Cemetery.