Kenneth Earl Monroe

Kenneth Earl Monroe, age 72, returned home on March 8, 2024. He was born on January 15th, 1952, in Kansas City. He was the oldest of four children born to Aurora Love. He was raised in Pocatello, Idaho, and graduated from Pocatello High School. He continued on to Idaho State University earning a Bachelor of Science in Psychology. He played professional football for one year with the Shreveport Steamers of the now-defunct World Football League. He was a three-sport standout at Pocatello High, excelling in football, basketball, and track and he held the state shot put record for 31 years. He was a member of the ISU football team for four seasons and competed in track for one year, finishing third in the Big Sky Conference in the shot put. He was a competitive softball player for more than twenty years.

Ken worked in various fields but was most passionate about equity and inclusion. He served as the President of the NAACP in the Boise and Pocatello areas, most recently finishing eight years with the Pocatello branch. Ken modeled a life of devoted service and commitment to the betterment of his communities and the humanity of all of us.

Ken's legacy and impact in our community set a standard that all of us should try to follow. His extraordinary qualities include athletic excellence, strength of character, kindness, good cheer, noble purpose, and leadership. His untimely passing leaves us all with a void that cannot be filled but Kenny's legacy is that we have all been made better by him.

Ken is survived by his three children Keniece Monroe (Dallas, TX), Michael Monroe (Pocatello, ID), Briana (Zane) Woolsey (Boise, ID), grandson (Carter), love of his life Jan Gillette and her children Henderson (Jasmine Brown) Gillette, Kolae (Jay) Tan, and her grandchildren (Leo and Jazzy). His surviving siblings Tony (Tina) Monroe and Dennis "Sonny" Warren Jr., and a host of nieces and nephews. Ken was preceded in death by his mother Aurora Love, step-dad Dennis Warren, and sister Renee Warren.

A Celebration of Life will be held on May 18th, 2024, at 3:00PM at the Pocatello Senior Center, 427 North 6th Avenue in Pocatello. Please wear red and/or gold for his favorite team, the Kansas City Chiefs if possible. In lieu of flowers, you can donate to the Ken E. Monroe scholarship fund (PO Box 4455, Pocatello, ID 83205).

Ken's remains will be placed with his grandmother, Ida Love, in the Mountain View Cemetery.

Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.cornelisonfh.com
208-232-0542

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