Kenneth C. Hewlett

Kenneth C. Hewlett lived with a quiet courage that showed itself in service, in love, and in the way he treated every person he met. He was a soldier, a public servant, a devoted husband and father, and a generous presence in the lives of many. He passed away surrounded by people who loved him.

Ken was born in Ely, Nevada, to Clarence and Kathleen Hewlett. He grew up alongside his sisters Nancy and Mary Ellen and his brother Richard. In 1962, the family moved to Carson City, where Ken graduated from Carson City High School in 1968.

That same year, he was drafted into the United States Army. A combat engineer, Ken was deployed to Laos, where he was wounded and sent to Letterman Army Medical Center in San Francisco to recover. His military service ended with a medical retirement, but not his commitment to serving others. He returned to Carson City and began again, meeting each new chapter with resolve.

Ken worked at Al’s Plumbing and for Carson City Public Works before attending the police academy. He went on to serve as an officer with Capitol Police and spent a total of 34½ years working for the State of Nevada. He concluded his career at the Carson City Justice and Municipal Court in 2024. Across those years, his work was more than a job: it was a promise to show up, to help, and to do his part.

It was through his work for the state that Ken met Betty Jo, the love of his life. They married on November 1, 1975, and built a life grounded in partnership, laughter, and care. They traveled together, visiting Alaska and Hawaii, but Carlsbad, California, held a special place in their hearts. At home, Ken loved to cook, preparing many family meals alongside Betty Jo—meals that brought the family together and made ordinary days feel like occasions.

Ken and Betty Jo raised three children: Dave, Tammy, and Jonathan. To them, and to all who knew him, Ken offered a steady example of kindness and generosity. He treated people with consideration, gave freely of himself, and made others feel welcome. His heroism was not only in the danger he faced as a young soldier, but in the life of service and love he chose to live afterward.

Ken is survived by his children, Dave (Donna), Tammy, and Jonathan (Bob); his sister, Mary Ellen Hewlett; his niece, Debbie Theiss (Paul); his brother-in-law, Bill Dunning (Beth); his sister-in-law, Gail Dunning (Randy); three grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Betty Jo; his parents, Clarence and Kathleen; his brother, Richard; and his sister, Nancy.

A Celebration of Ken’s life will be held Thursday, October 29th, at 10:30 a.m. at FitzHenry’s Funeral Home: 3945 Fairview Drive, Carson City, Nevada. Burial will immediately follow.

The measure of Ken’s life is found in the people he served, the family he cherished, and the countless acts of kindness he gave without asking for recognition. He will be remembered with love, gratitude, and deep respect.