Kenneth Ian Eke

Mr. Kenneth Ian Eke, age 79, of Franklin, Tennessee, passed away at home on May 9, 2023, with family and friends by his side.

Ken was born in Farnborough, Kent, in England, on March 2, 1944, to the late Douglas Reginald Eke and Evelyn Cornes. Ken grew up in Bromley, England, and was a World Champion Latin American Dancer, competing on TV and all over Europe with the Penge Latin American Formation Team in the 1960s. He danced at Buckingham Palace for the Queen and in The Beatles’ movie Magical Mystery Tour. He was a successful businessman--an electrical engineer by trade--and passionate about anything involving microwave energy.

In recent years, he mostly loved spending time at home with family, watching his favorite Premier League team (Chelsea) play soccer, and listening to classic country hits while wearing his favorite cowboy hat. He was a devoted husband and father, and his love, kindness, and generosity touched the lives of everyone he met. He was our “King of England.”

Ken will be deeply missed by his daughter, Karen (Craig) Rowe; son, Graham (Kari) Eke; grandchildren, Lauren Eke (13), Christopher Rowe (12), Oliver Eke (10), Kendall Rowe (10), and Elizabeth Eke (8); brothers, Ray and Chris Eke and sister Penny Eke. He leaves behind a rich and lasting legacy that will be treasured forever. May he rest in peace, knowing that he made an indelible impact on the world and the lives of those around him.

Friends and family are invited to a Memorial Gathering on Friday, May 26, 2023, from 9:30 am until 10:30 am in the atrium of Brentwood Baptist Church, 7777 Concord Rd., Brentwood, TN 37027. A Celebration of Life service will begin soon after at 11:00 am in the Baskin Chapel.

The family kindly requests everyone to come to celebrate Ken’s life wearing the brightest of colors. No black unless it's bedazzled. This is a celebration of a well-lived life.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a memorial contribution in Ken’s honor to either the American Cancer Society or the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.

For those unable to join in person, the service will be live-streamed here:  https://fb.me/e/11Sszlweb

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