Kenneth E. Canankamp

Kenneth E. Canankamp, 88 of Berlin Center passed away Saturday, April 24th at St. Elizabeth Medical Center, Youngstown. Kenneth was born March 19, 1933 in Springville, OH, a son of the late Jesse E. and Mary Ann (Clark) Canankamp. He served in the U.S. Army, 9th Infantry Division of the Korean War from 1952-1955, serving in the reserves until 1960. Kenneth was a carpenter with Local Union #1438 from 1955 – 1980. He then went on to work in building maintenance until he retired in 2000. Kenneth was a member of the Berlin Center United Methodist Church, the American Legion Post #737 of Lake Milton, a charter member of the Berlin Center Historical Society and the American Indian Center. Kenneth’s true passion was the love of Ford cars. He was a member of the Early Ford V-8 Northeast Ohio Regional Group since 1969, where he was the last remaining charter member. He had served as President for several terms and on their Board of Directors multiple times. He was also a member of the Early Ford V-8 Foundation and Museum. Kenneth was known for restoring antique Ford cars, diagnosing and repairing for other car buffs. He was recognized on the national level and brought home numerous awards for his accomplishments. People valued his expertise which was self-taught from the age of 16. He would tell his family, “If it’s not a Ford, don’t bring it on the property.” He enjoyed spending time with his family and will be dearly missed by his two daughters, Colleen (Dick Hughes) Truitt and Lisa (William) Porterfield both of Berlin Center; four grandchildren, Wesley (Samantha), Erica and her daughters, Alexis and Lily, Kelly (Gino) and their son, Tristano, and John (Sarah) and their son, Wade. He will be greatly missed by all of his friends in the antique car community. Besides his parents, Kenneth was preceded in death by his wife, the former Ruth N. Craig, whom he married October 24, 1952, died August 22, 2016. There will be a graveside service 11 a.m. on Friday, May 21st at Berlin Center Cemetery.
The family requests material tributes take the form of contributions to Early Ford V-8 Foundation Museum, 2181 Rotunda Drive, Auburn, IN 46706.