Kenneth Clark Etheridge

Kenneth Clark "KC" Etheridge, 29, passed away at St. Mary's Hospital, West Palm Beach, Florida on Wednesday, October 7, 2015. KC was born in Miami, Florida on July 15, 1986. KC is survived by his soul mate and love of his life of over 7 years, Erin Leigh Etheridge. They were married on September 26, 2008 in Coral Gables, Florida and have four small children: Alexa Faith (5), Kameron Chase (2.5), Adelyn Grace (2.5) and Ainsley Rose (4 months). KC's loving family included his Father Mark Etheridge with wife Annabelle, Mother Laura Wolfe with husband Jeff, Sister Lindsey Duke with husband Andrew and their 81⁄2 month son Reece, Father-in-Law Steve Lindsey, Mother-in-Law Linda, Sister-in-Law Michele Andrade with husband Matt and their two children Micah (21⁄2) and Michaela (7 mo.). KC enlisted into the United States Army in March of 2007 as a 19D Cavalry Scout. After Basic and Advanced Training in Fort Knox, Kentucky he was stationed in Schweinfurt, Germany where he eventually met his wife Erin in March 2008. After 2 amazing weeks together their lives were forever bound. KC came back to Miami in the Summer of 2008 for a 2 week leave then again to Miami in September 2008 where he proposed to and then married Erin. KC's first deployment sent him to Iraq in November of 2008 for one year. After returning home from a successful tour of duty, KC and Erin moved to their first post in Fort Knox, Kentucky where they stayed one year and welcomed their first born, Alexa, into the world. After a reenlistment, they moved to their next post at Fort Carson, Colorado. Shortly after arriving, KC was deployed to Afghanistan for 1 year where he performed approximately 500 missions in 325 days. In February 2013, KC and Erin were blessed with Twins Adi and Kam! And life got a whole lot more interesting. KC deployed for the last time to Qatar for 9 months and after a successful deployment, was honorably discharged in January 2015. His final rank was Staff Sergeant. They relocated to Florida and then In May 2015, KC and Erin welcomed their 4th child, sweet Ainsley, to their family. Known as "Sergeant E", KC was deeply admired and loved by his fellow Soldiers. Every Soldier that served with or under KC spoke about him with distinction and honor. KC earned numerous awards during his years. He was awarded the Order of St. George Black Medallion, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with 2 campaign stars, Iraq Campaign Medal with 2 campaign stars, Army Commendation Medals (4), Army Achievement Medals (5), Meritorious Unit Commendation, Army Good Conduct Medal(2) and many more. Erin was a phenomenally devoted "Army Wife". She gave her heart and soul to supporting KC through every move and deployment and they were the epitome of "all in" the Army together. Along with their two dogs Titan and Jade, and later 4 babies, they never had a house, they always had a home. Most important to KC and Erin was their faith in God and Jesus Christ. They settled into a church family at Journey Church in Lake Worth, FL where they loved each other and worshipped the Lord with all their heart, soul, mind and strength. After moving to West Palm Beach, Florida KC enrolled in Helicopter Flight Program at Oceans Helicopter where he earned his Private Pilot Certificate with an instrument rating. KC was deeply admired by his Instructors and fellow Pilots for his work ethic and smile. KC was also enrolled at Palm Beach College while in flight school. This last year in Florida was the happiest of his life. He was finally home with his beautiful family and he was doing what he loved, flying. KC was the most kind, loving, and generous man and he lived life to the fullest. He will be missed by the many friends he touched that we now consider family. We will all miss the joy and love he brought into our lives and we couldn't be more proud of who he was. Heaven is blessed with a new Angel...