NASHUA, NH – Kenneth P. Stimson, Sr., 80, retired Air Force Master Sergeant, of Nashua, NH, died September 4, 2010, after a lengthy battle with cancer, he succumbed to his illness at his home, surrounded by his loving family.

He was born in Amherst, NH on March 26, 1930, a son of the late Carl K. Stimson and Lena J. Hatfield. He was raised and educated in Milford, NH.

Master Sgt. Stimson entered the Air Force and served his country honorably for 24 years. A veteran of the Korean Conflict and Vietnam Era, he was discharged in 1971, after receiving numerous commendations and service awards. He was a member of the Air Force Sergeants Association.

Following his military retirement, he owned and operated Ken’s Quality Painting for 20 years. In addition, he was employed as a traffic officer for the Merrimack Police Department for many years.

He made his home in Nashua for more than 36 years where he was an active member of the Church of the Good Shepherd, having also served as an usher.

Mr. Stimson was an avid fisherman, loved camping, playing horseshoes and softball. In his younger years, he coached Little League.

He was a loving husband, a devoted father, grandfather and great-grandfather.

Mr. Stimson was predeceased by a brother, Carl K. Stimson, Jr.

Family members include his wife of 33 years, Lillian (Letendre) Stimson of Nashua, NH; a son, Kenneth P. Stimson, Jr. and his wife, Lisa of Derry, NH; three daughters and sons-in-law, V. Diane Shelton of Chesterfield, VA, Gayla M. and David Traylor, Linda K. and Tommy Little, all of Mechanicsville, VA; eight grandchildren; three great grandchildren; a brother and sister-in-law, Stanley O. and Dolly Stimson of Vista, CA; a sister and brother-in-law, Roberta and Hugh McGovern of Dunstable, MA; many nieces and nephews.

Visiting hours are Tuesday, September 7th, from 2-4 and 6-8 pm in the Smith & Heald Funeral Home, 63 Elm Street, Milford, NH. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday at 10:30 am in the Church of the Good Shepherd, 214 Main Street, Nashua, NH. Burial with military honors will follow in Riverside Cemetery, Nashua Street, Milford, NH.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to Home, Health & Hospice Care, 22 Prospect Street, Nashua, NH 03060. Arrangements are in the care of Smith & Heald Funeral Home, Milford. To leave an online condolence, please go to www.smith-heald.com.