Kenneth William Whilden

Colonel Kenneth W. Whilden, 84 of Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, passed away peacefully on Saturday, February 21, 2026.
Born on August 30, 1941 in Millville, NJ, son of the late Ida (Blum) and Kenneth Whilden.

Ken is predeceased by his parents and his brother, Bruce Whilden.

Ken is survived by his daughters Jeanette Yochim (Joe), Crystal Brady (Robert); Grandchildren: Kimberly Theresa Pike (John), John Massimo Ciaranca, Julia Lynn Armstrong (Sonny), Everly Parker Brady, Ella Pearl Brady, Leo Boden Brady, Gage Harrison Brady; Great Grandchildren: Landin Thomas Pike, Naomi Page Ciaranca, Wyatt Joseph Pike, Lucy Ray Ciaranca, Luca Michael Armstrong and Miles Joseph Armstrong.

Ken's career spanned over 35 years, beginning with his graduation from Pennsylvania Military College (Widener University) in 1963, as a 2LT Army Officer. Ken's first assignment was Ft Dix, NJ then to the New Jersey National Guard, where he served under many distinguished Military Soldiers that mentored him and helped him advance his career over the years. As Ken advanced through the ranks he held numerous unit commands that ultimately led to him becoming commander of the Infantry Bn. His final assignment was the United States Property and Fiscal Officer (USFPO) of New Jersey. As the USPFO he was responsible for managing all federal funds and property for both the Army and Air National Guard. Ken's service blessed him with lasting friendships within the USPFO, National Guard Bureau and across the country in the military community.

During his service Ken attended and graduated from The Command and Staff Course and The Army War College. Ken received numerous honors throughout his career, to include Meritorious Service Medals, Legion of Merit, Army Commendation Medal and National Defense Service Medal.

Ken was a 32nd Degree Master Mason for 60 years, with Shekinah Lodge No 58, Millville, New Jersey.

Ken was also a highly skilled pool player. He played weekly on a team for years, and he led the team to many team titles in the area that ultimately took them to Las Vegas to compete among some of the most respected players in the country.

He was an avid reader and made it his mission to be well-informed on all the current events around the world. Ken also loved being surrounded by and staying connected to his grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Funeral Service will be held March 10, 2026 at 11AM at the Brigadier General William C. Doyle Memorial Cemetery Chapel, 350 Provine Line Rd., Wrightstown, NJ 08562. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Tunnels to Towers Foundation.

Expressions of sympathy may be viewed or submitted online at mcalister-smith.com/.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to McAlister-Smith Funeral and Cremation Care, 1520 Rifle Range Rd, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464, 843-884-3833.