MAKANDA -- Kenneth J. Bach 58, passed away at 12:45 p.m. Saturday, June 11, 2011, in Memorial Hospital of Carbondale after a three-year battle with Multiple Myeloma. Ken was born Sept. 11, 1952, a son to Paul and Irma (Stein) Bach. He was pre-ceded in death by his father, Paul Bach. Left to cherish Ken's memory are his wife, Jo Ann (Simonton) Bach; mother, Irma (Stein) Bach of Carlyle; sister, Pat (Gary) Herrin of Kell; brother, Dennis of Belleville; sister, Sandy Savoy of Ruskin, Fla.; brother, Kevin (Debbie) of Ava; and brother, Duane (Betty) of Carlyle. Ken dearly loved all of his nieces and nephews, and he took great pride and pleas-ure in being involved in their lives. Several were fortunate to have benefited from his passion and knowledge of the outdoors. This passion took him all over the country fly-fishing, water-fowling and morel hunting. Here at home, Ken was the driving force behind the establishment of Bird Farm Hunt Club in 1976, and he has been actively involved in its ongoing operation for the last 35 years. He had a magnetic personality and a gift for making friends. Wherever he went, people naturally gravitated toward him. He loved his many friends, who will remember Ken for his infectious smile and laugh-ter. Ken earned a technical degree from The United Electronics Institute in Louisville, Ky. Upon graduation, he worked for the U.S. Navy in Norfolk, Va., troubleshooting avionics in fighter jets. He then began working for Raytheon Corp. in Norfolk, Va., on contract with the U.S. Navy for repair and diagnostics of classified electronic systems for a multitude of equipment, including the famous air-craft carrier, the USS Nimitz. He then relocated to join his best friend and future wife, Jo Ann, and begin their life together in Southern Illinois. At this time, Ken worked briefly for Down-state Communications before beginning his long career with Mine Safety Appliances Inc. His job encompassed a large geographic area, including parts of Kentucky, Indiana and Missouri, and a large portion of Illinois. He trained many coal miners, fire fighters and construction workers in the use of respiratory and portable instruments. Ken loved his work with MSA and took great pride in providing lifesaving equipment and job safety training. Upon retiring from MSA, Ken began a new career at New Horizon Homes of Marion, joining a former MSA colleague in the modular home business. He left New Horizon Homes in 2009 to focus on fighting his illness. He set an example for all, displaying courage, dignity and grace until his final moment. He will be sorely missed by all who knew and loved him. A celebration of Ken's life will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, June 23, 2011, in Blue Sky Winery Pavilion. Private graveside services will be conducted. Memorials to Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation, 383 Main Ave., 5th Floor, Norwalk, CT 06851 are the preferred form of remembrance. Informational forms will be available at the celebration of life or online at www.themmrf.org. Meredith Funeral Home in Carbondale is in charge of arrangements. To view this obituary and leave condolences, visit www.meredithfm.com.