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Born
In 1953, KB was born to his mother and father as the youngest of 10 children. All 12 family members lived in a small, 3-bedroom house in Louisville, Kentucky. The 5 boys shared one bedroom and the 5 girls shared another, while their parents shared a bedroom to themselves. Money was tight for his family, so everyone worked together to minimize the cost of living by working, saving money, caring for one another, and handing down items such as clothes and shoes. -
Father passed away
In 1966, when KB was only 12 years old, his father suffered a heart attack and passed away. This was deeply sad and challenging for KB's mother, as she had to grieve her loss and continue raising all 10 children on her own. The children all pulled together to complete household jobs, care for one another, and comfort their mother. As the youngest child, KB was mostly in charge of completing the yard work and outdoor maintenance of the house. -
Built motor bike
In order to cope with the loss of his father, KB spent a lot of time outside and in his father's garage. He quickly discovered that he had a passion for building, creating, and working with his hands. In 1967, at the age of 13, KB wondered around junk yards looking for parts and eventually built his own motor-powered bike that could get up to 40 mph. This bike gave KB a sense of pride and joy, and sparked his early interest in mechanical engineering. -
Oldest brother passed away
In 1970, a few years after losing his father, KB lost his older brother who was like a second father to him. This second death in the family was extremely difficult for everyone, especially their mother and she lost her first baby too soon. Once again, the children al pulled together to comfort one another and their mother through this hardship. -
Graduated from University of Louisville
Since the time he was young, KB had always had an interest in building things. He was the first of his siblings to attend and graduate college, but the experience was not an easy one. He failed many of his first classes and was very homesick while away from his family. He attended three different universities before eventually moving back home and completing his BS in mechanical engineering at the University of Louisville in 1979. -
Started job as mechanical engineer
After he graduated, KB moved to Indiana to start a cooperative internship, which turned into a full-time job, as a mechanical engineer at Naval Surface Warfare Center Crane. KB loved his job, as he made great friends and traveled all over the country and world for work purposes. Although he loved it, it was also a big challenge for him as he greatly missed his friends and family back home in Kentucky. However, he drove to visit them, especially his mother, quite often. -
Married wife
Through one of his friends at work, KB was set up on a blind date with a woman he had never met before. There was an immediate spark between the two of them and, two years later, in 1989, KB married the love of his life. -
Had first child
In April of 1990, KB and his wife gave birth to their first child, a baby boy. KB had always wanted to be a father, so having a son was one of the greatest gifts he had ever experienced in life. -
Had second child
A couple years later, in March of 1992, KB and his wife gave birth to their second child, a baby girl. KB and his wife were extremely happy and thankful to be a family of four. KB loved his wife and children deeply and felt that they completed him as a person. -
Mother diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease
Shortly after the birth of his daughter in 1992, KB's mother lost her hearing and vision and was diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease. This was saddening for KB, as his mother could not experience his babies the way he had hoped she would. It was also challenging for KB and his siblings, as they all had to pull together to provide their mother with the full-time care and comfort she needed and deserved. However, the children enjoyed caring for their mother and were closer because of it. -
Bought first home
Though he visited Kentucky frequently, KB and his wife were extremely excited to buy their first house together in Indiana in 1996. This house quickly became a home, as they raised their children and filled it with lots of love and laughter. To this day, KB still lives with his wife in this home and their children frequently visit them there. -
Mother passed away
In 2001, KB's mother, who he was extremely close to, passed away. KB struggled greatly with his feelings of sadness and grief for many years, but the continuous love and support from his friends and family helped him to overcome these emotions. KB eventually came to terms with this loss and is learned to reflect on his mother's life with feelings of joy and gratitude, as opposed to sadness. -
KB's children moved out
By 2010, KB's children had both graduated from high school and moved out of the home to attend college. This was a bitter sweet time for KB and his wife, as they were excited for their children but also deeply missed having them in their home. However, they quickly discovered that they had more time and space to do more things that they used to enjoy doing together, such as going out with friends and traveling. -
Traveled to Africa
In 2012, KB traveled to Niger, Africa, where he spent 6 months working on a military base and making equipment for the US military troops. He went on this work trip in order to make extra money to help put his children through college. Although he enjoyed the work he was doing, he was unable to return home and could rarely use his cell phone, which left him feeling isolated and missing his family. However, he was happier than he had ever been once he returned home to his family. -
Retired
In 2014, after 30+ years of employment, KB officially retired from his job. Although he loved his job, bosses, coworkers, and experiences, he was really excited to relax in his next phase of life. Since retiring, KB continues to enjoy spending his time remodeling cars, building furniture, traveling, and hanging out with friends and family.
