Table of Contents for Jefferson County, Georgia and Genealogy Site

Ken Renau, 59, of Maryville, TN, passed away from complications of a stroke on November 15, 2006, at Blount Memorial Hospital. He left his father, George K. Renau Sr. of Fort Worth, TX, Mother, Betty Heins Renau Pardue of Lexington, SC, two sisters, Nancy Renau Riedesel of Garfield, AR, and Betsy Reanau Ertel of Casselberry, FL, and longtime caregiver Deborah Hazlett of Maryville, TN. Arrangements handled by Bio Gift, BGA Memorial of Portland, OR.

Ken open doors for many people through his helpful acts of kindness through genealogy. I met Ken when I was just beginning my family tree. He devoted his time and effort to help me with a sense of joy. He helped me see the hope and faith I had in myself in maintaining my strength in genealogy. He was a companionate friend to me. Genealogy was his passion and he did it well. There was not a time he would not stop and help me if I needed it. He will deeply be missed by many who met him along the way. This is a working page that will be dedicated to Ken. It will be filled with love and memories of him. If anyone wants to contribute their memories of knowing Ken please contact me with a link to my email below. Once completed I will mail it to his mother for keepsakes. Just one of his many friends, Darlene Brooks

To The Family of Ken Renau~

I would like to, first of all, offer my condolences for what appears to all of us as an inconsolable loss. I first got to know Ken last January, when he called my home. He introduced himself as a genealogy researcher, and had information about my mother's family. My mother had left her family while a young adult, and no one had heard from her since. I had always wondered if I had relatives and who I was. Ken gave me the key to unlock the door to that mystery, and without his direct influence and untiring, selfless work done on (our) behalf, the answers to the questions I had been seeking would have (I am convinced) never been found. Our entire family is in a great dept to this wonderful man. One of the greatest blessing for me was to have known him; my one regret was that I didn't get to meet him in person. Know that he will always be held in the highest esteem by myself and my family.

Yours Very Truly, Nancy McNeely Isley Guinn

Hi Darlene, I was saddened to hear about Ken Renau's death. One evening a few years back, my phone rang and the man on the other end introduced himself as Ken Renau. He was researching the Redd family as am I, and he had contacted my 90 year old Aunt and wanted to give me the information that she had. I had lost touch with her for many years. I know now why I didn't get an answer back from him at a later time. He was so kind and asked that when I was in the Maryville area to visit him. I appreciate your tribute to him. Pat Pierce

(POEM)

To my dearest family and Genealogy Friends, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived here okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.

Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."

It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man."

God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.

When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.

I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.

There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.

If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.

So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.

And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.

Ken Renau joined our Aiken-Barnwell Genealogical Society February 17, 1985.

He gave his address as: 5329 College View Dr., Ooltewah, TN 37363. His surnames were so nearly mine and my wife Elspye's, we started an immediate correspondence of exchanging information. Twenty one years passed so fast! During those years Ken moved to Marysville, TN.

During the years we knew Ken he visited with us in our home. We went out to eat, check cemeteries or work at court houses. Ken had a special telephone package so he telephoned often. He called to ask "what you guy's up to know?" Or to tell us to watch out for something in the mail. We looked forward to his visits with his mother in Lexington, SC. He'd try to see us while he was in the area. Deb, as he called her, sometimes took time off from work and come with him. He'd come with a gift of bread or mushrooms or some other treat. He was a thoughtful and kind person. He really wanted to help anyone he could with their research.Ken did so much for so many people. We miss him and feel the loss of his

presence and friendship. The Aiken-Barnwell Genealogical Society lost a valuable contributor.

Cyril C. & Elspye Byars Johnson, P.O. Box 53, Montmorenci, SC 29839

Hello Darlene
I was very saddened to hear of Ken's passing. I never met Ken but I spoke with him on the phone numerous times. My parents divorced when I was very young and I knew very little about my Father's family (Renew). I e-mailed Ken and he quickly got in touch with me. He supplied me with very valuable information which led to me learning very much about the family. Ken was very eager to help me and because of his help I am now able to pass this information to my Children. I will forever be grateful to Ken and regret that I did not travel to Tennessee to visit him.

Kenny Renew, Huntsville, Al
Kenrung@aol.com