Kenneth Kay Selee passed away quietly last week from complications of dementia and neuropathy at the age of 83. Ken is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Carolyn Selee and their three children; Steven Roy Selee, Douglas Kay Selee, and Lisa Ann (Selee) Brugger.

Ken was born in Canon City, Colorado to Edith and Harry Selee in 1933 and had 13 siblings.

Ken served in the Army during the Korean Conflict and following his honorable discharge he earned a BA and Master’s Degree in Science Education and Administration. 

He became a teacher in 1960, then moved his family to Turlock in 1968 and taught in the Turlock School District for 26 years before retiring in 1994. Ken is best known in Turlock for his commitment to education and his love of outer space. As a sixth grade science teacher, Ken was able to impact many of the youths in town with his passion for interactive learning experiences, both in classroom and on the numerous field trips he took over the years. 

He was famous locally for bringing a real moon rock for display, building a huge lunar landing module for his classroom, becoming the first teacher to grow tomatoes from seeds returning from space which gained him national recognition, and later proudly working for NASA in Washington D. C. 

Visitation will be held from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. with a service to follow for Ken on Mon., Jan. 23, at Turlock Funeral Home, 425 N. Soderquist Rd., Turlock, CA.