Kenneth Edward Tuxhorn

1929 - 2013

Kenneth Edward Tuxhorn obituary, 1929-2013, Nashville, IN

FUNERAL HOME

Bond-Mitchell Funeral Home

1682 State Road 135 North

Nashville, Indiana

Kenneth Tuxhorn Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Sep. 18, 2013.

Ken Edward Tuxhorn passed away peacefully with his family members at his side on September 17, 2013. He was 84 years old. Ken was born on February 2, 1929 to Alma and Oscar Tuxhorn in Indianapolis.
Ken was founder and director of Outdoor Educational Activities Incorporated, a non-profit organization at Bear Wallow in Brown County for 64 years. He had a passion for nature and the outdoors, but he will be remembered mostly for helping young people become better citizens of this world.
In 1949, he created the Yellowwood Trail. It was a 20.1 mile trail that started in Morgan/Monroe State Forest and finished at Trail Headquarters at his home on Bear Wallow Hill. Soon after, Ken started constructing hiking and biking trails throughout Brown County. His other trails were the American Heritage, 10 O'Clock Line, Tulip Tree Trace, White Water Canal, the Brown County Bike Trail, and the Flags of the Nations. The Flags of the Nations was a memorable trail not only to the hikers, but to a passerby as well, because 112 flags from around the world hung on flagpoles at the beginning of the trail. The program also offered outdoor primitive camping, an indoor sleeping facility , and meals for the guests.. At the conclusion of each trail, hikers could purchase awards at a more than reasonable price for their hard work. Awards were beautifully crafted patches and medals that Ken designed.
Ken was married to Barbara Ramsey on November 24, 1956 at Beck Chapel by Dr. Beck on the campus of Indiana University. They were the third couple married at the chapel. She survives in Brown County.
Ken graduated from Warren Central High School in 1947. He went on to earn his Bachelor of Arts degree In Philosophy and Social Sciences from Indiana University in 1952. After World War II and during his sophomore year at I.U., Ken took a one year trip to Europe and bicycled throughout the continent. He biked through England, France, Switzerland, Germany, Italy, Belgium, Netherlands, Luxembourg, Austria, Spain, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, North Africa, and Tunisia. It was because of this experience that Ken came back to Indiana to start Bear Wallow.
In his early years, Ken worked as a school teacher for the Kniman school system. He then moved to Brown County and worked as a school teacher and principal at Sprunica in Brown County.
One of his greater achievements and honors happened on October 29, 2006 when he received the Distinguished Hoosier Award from Governor Mitch Daniels.
Ken and Barbara had two children, Bruce Tuxhorn and Jenny Tuxhorn Thomas. Jenny preceded him in death in 1979. Bruce (Mary) Tuxhorn survive in Brown County. Other survivors include 3 grandchildren Matthew Tuxhorn, Jennifer Hiday, and Garrett Tuxhorn, 2 great grandchildren Andrew and Gavin, a sister, Laverna Hawkins, and a nephew, Brad Hawkins.
Visitation will be Friday, September 20, 2013 from 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm at the Bond Mitchell Funeral Home in Nashville, Indiana. Pastor Darrell Miller will officiate the funeral service at 2:00 pm on Saturday, September 21, 2013 at the funeral home. Burial will be immediately following the service at Brown County Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Brown County Humane Society or American Cancer Society. Ken was a kind-hearted, loving man who cared about the well being of his fellow man. He was a teacher, mentor, and friend. He had a zest for life like no other and believed that hard work would take a person far. He will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved him.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.bondmitchellfuneralhome.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Memories and Condolences
for Kenneth Tuxhorn

What is your first memory of Kenneth?

Share a favorite memory you have of Kenneth.

Tell us about a special moment you shared with Kenneth.

Describe a time when Kenneth made you laugh or smile.

What is something you will always remember about Kenneth?

Talk about a shared experience you had with Kenneth.

What is something you did together that you enjoyed?

Describe a place or activity that reminds you of Kenneth.

Tell us about a personal story or anecdote involving Kenneth.

What is something you learned from Kenneth?

Not sure what to say?

6 Entries

November 1, 2013

dave dombrowski

Ken was great American, that truely believed in hard work getting you places. He never gave up. While many of our scouts hiked Ken's trails, I was able to have some great conversations with Ken about the cats, the wood varieties, the upkeep, politics or just about any topic he was interested in at the time. Troop 502 from Indian Hill is a long time visitor each fall--camping, hiking, raking, and cutting/ stacking wood for the winter. Ken, you taught us all a lot-about nature, about respect, about people.... and will be missed. I know those bears are wallowing for you daily now. Enjoy !

September 28, 2013

Mike Coffey

We are sorry for your loss. Ken was a great leader and organizer, really a beacon for creating and sustaining the trails. Allowing us, and I believe everyone to connect, or reconnect, with nature and themselves. He is, and will be, greatly missed.

September 21, 2013

Hello Barbara, Bruce,
Getting to do a little work on trails and other tasks was special because of who Ken was. I will always be grateful for the those times. He was a special guy who was hard to keep up with, even at 80. It was truly a privilege know him.
God's very best to you and yours,
Bryan Bankert

September 21, 2013

Mary Frazo

Bruce & Mary - we are so sorry for your loss. I know you don't know us Bruce but Mary is one of my nurses & a fellow co-worker @ IU Health Bloomington. I didn't know your father but I noticed he had a lot to do with Bear Wallow. My Dad worked for IU for years & he would take my brother & I there. I bet we met your Dad when we were there. It is always hard to lose a loved one but when you know where he is & he is in no more pain that helps in your letting go. We will be thinking of you all as you go throughout the next several weeks. Mary is a great nurse & Ernie & I think a lot of her. God will be with you throughout this time & forever.

Ernie & Mary Frazo

September 20, 2013

Jim Parks

I was saddened to hear of Ken's passing. My prayer is for your family. Please know that our Boy Scout Troop enjoyed hiking Ken's Bear Wallow Trails and appreciated all the work Ken and Barbara put into the trails over the many years. He sustained the longest continuous outdoor trails program in the mid-west and possibly the nation. Many a scout benefited from hiking the hills around Bear Wallow.
Jim Parks
Troop 894
Camby, IN

September 19, 2013

Sandy Gaither

Sorry for your loss, Bruce. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during your time of loss.
Calvin and Sandy Gaither

Showing 1 - 6 of 6 results

Make a Donation
in Kenneth Tuxhorn's name

Please consider a donation as requested by the family.

Memorial Events
for Kenneth Tuxhorn

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

Funeral services provided by:

Bond-Mitchell Funeral Home

1682 State Road 135 North, Nashville, IN 47448

How to support Kenneth's loved ones
Commemorate a cherished Veteran with a special tribute of Taps at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Kenneth Tuxhorn's life and legacy
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more