Kenneth Ray Gamblin, 91, of Valparaiso passed away Thursday, December 4, 2025. He was born October 28, 1934, in Hopkins County, Kentucky to Marshall W. & Della (Ferguson) Gamblin and served proudly with the Indiana National Guard 113th Engineer Battalion for 6 years. Ken made his career in the Energy Electric Department at U.S. Steel Garyworks for 34 years retiring in 1988. However, it was his lengthy tenure as the Pastor of Valparaiso Baptist Church that truly defined his life mission. He faithfully shepherded God’s people with love, humility, and unwavering commitment, pouring himself into preaching God’s Word, caring for the hurting, and leading with integrity. Through his ministry, he pointed countless lives to Christ and left a legacy of faithfulness that will continue to impact generations.
On May 3, 1954, in Crown Point he married Anna Lee Martinie who preceded him in death on August 23, 2021. Survivors include their daughter, Rebecca (Wendall) Bettenhausen of Kouts, and granddaughters: Lee Anne & Lauren Bettenhausen.
A visitation will be held Saturday, December 13th from 9 – 11 am at Valparaiso Baptist Church, 612 Emmettsburg St., Valparaiso with funeral service beginning at 11:00 am, Revs. Mitch Tabla, Robert Liedtke, Rick Ward & Rick Henderson officiating with burial to follow at Angelcrest Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to Valparaiso Baptist Church.
GUESTBOOK
My name is Pam White and I am the daughter of Ralph White. My dad and Kenny, as he was known to our family, worked together and were great friends. He officated at my mothers funeral and waived his fees, which was so wonderful! I'm so glad our family knew him. My thoughts and prayers are with you. May you feel God's arms around you! -Pam White
You’ve touched so many lives and we’re all better for it. Your love of the Lord and sharing His Word, your sense of humor, your humbleness and love for your fellow man…there aren’t enough words to describe you and what you’ve brought to this world. You are missed. Condolences for your family. -Jim & Liz Nipple
Pastor Ken, what a loving Man of God. Thanks to my mother who was a faithful member of Valparaiso Baptist Church she introduced me to Pastor Ken. He had such an incredible Godly way about him and no one could not love this man. Pastor Ken talked and opened my soul and heart to Our Father, Jesus and The Holy Spirit. He was hilarious, intelligent and a pretty good golfer. I couldn't believe he asked me to get involved in many roles in the church which my wife and I miss immensely. But the only way I could get involved was to accept Christ as Lord and Saviour and to remove my earring, I made the right choice. There's a mighty man Heaven has gained. We pray for the Holy Spirit to comfort the family and all that is missing the smile, laughter, stories, sermons, love and comfort to anyone who loves him. See you at my appointed time, Pastor. -Debbie & Jerry Berry
Pastor Kenneth Gamblin went to be with the Lord and loved ones gone before. He was a true man of God in every way. Countless lives and souls were led to the Lord because of his faithful witness. For all of us who are grieving his departure, we do not grieve as those who have no hope for we know that one day we will all be together again. The Bible verse that tells us not to grieve as those who have no hope is 1 Thessalonians 4:13, which states, "But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope". -William & Jackie Darlene Hartt
