Kenneth Dean Vanderburg

Kenneth Dean Vanderburg was born to Nelda and Dean Vanderburg on October 2, 1955, little brother to Mark who was just over a year old. Kenny was followed by another brother Terry and a "little seester" Susan many years later.

Kenny lived in Piedmont OK, attending school there for most of his education.  He graduated from Piedmont High School in 1974 and was a very successful salesman for Kraft and other sales occupations before deciding to join the Marines. While in the Marines, it was discovered that he had an old, unset fracture of his ankle, with arthritis already present. As such, he was disqualified from being a Marine and experienced an honorable medical discharge. He was heartbroken, and once a few very sad weeks passed, he enlisted in the Army. He made it through 6 weeks of Basic before he was discovered, and once again medically and honorably discharged. After his two attempts to serve the country he loved ended in disappointment, he decided to just go in and tell the truth at the Navy Recruitment Center. He walked in, told them how badly he wanted to serve, and practically begged them to take him. They saw an eager young man who was passionate about serving the United States of America and wouldn't quit trying to dedicate his life to service. He was enlisted in the Navy that day, much to his delight!

Kenny shipped out for basic training in Orlando, FL in November 1980. He stood out quickly as the hardest-working soldier and strove for excellence. Due to his character qualities and exceptional leadership and determination, he was quickly appointed the RCPO for his Company, Unit 043, 4th Division. As Recruit Chief Petty Officer, this meant he served as the primary assistant to the Recruit Division Commanders during boot camp. It was the beginning of the acknowledgement he would receive from the Navy. He was trained in the special forces, working as a Navy Seal for his remaining enlisted time. He served as their "Doc" in the field, and also as a sniper. He received special accolades for his ability to quickly assemble a rifle, and also his incredible accuracy as a marksman. He did a "WESTPAC" tour on the U.S.S. Wichita and had many adventures while seeing the world. He was then stationed in Greece in 1985 while serving as a SEAL, and had emergency, career-ending surgery on his abdomen in Greece. He was honorably medically discharged in 1986 and returned stateside. He would struggle for decades with excruciating abdominal pain, multiple surgeries, and nutrient deficiencies due to his initial surgery.

Kenny succumbed to his medical condition on November 7, 2025, at the age of 70. We all joked that he had EIGHTEEN lives instead of nine! He faced many, many medical setbacks and struggles over the years, and somehow always came back strong. He was the definition of strength and honor, and of generosity. He always gave freely of whatever he had, with no expectation of getting anything in return.

He will be tremendously missed by his mother Nelda Vanderburg, brother Terry Vanderburg, sister Susan (Vanderburg) Pearce, brother-in-law Ken Pearce, honorary son Michael Bannon, and his nephews, Ryan, Devin, Kyle, and Keith Fentie. He was predeceased by older brother Mark Vanderburg, and father B. Dean Vanderburg, along with his grandparents and many aunts, uncles, and cousins, who await him in Glory.

Kenny, you gave your life for your country over many decades, and we are so grateful for your sacrifice. We love you so much.  Rest easy now, Soldier – your tour is complete.

Visitation will be held from 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m., Wednesday, November 12, 2025 at the funeral home. Celebration of life services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, November 13 at First Baptist Church, Piedmont, OK, with interment following at Spring Creek Memorial Cemetery, Oklahoma City, OK.