COL Kenneth Wilton Mylander, MD, US Army (Retired), 82, of Columbia, passed away on Wednesday, December 20, 2023. Born in Detroit, Michigan on October 11, 1941, and raised in Westerville, Ohio, he was a son of the late Wilton Charles Mylander and Jeanette Rosetta Clapham.

His loves as a boy were anything that had to do with nature, especially adding to his award-winning butterfly collection. He worked at every opportunity, and spent many hours out in nature getting up to mischief with his brother, David. A natural athlete, he set a school record throwing the discus. Graduating from Westerville High School in the class of 1959, he went on to The Ohio State University for his undergraduate work, also drilling with the Pershing Rifles drill team. He then attended The Ohio State University Medical School, graduating in 1967. In 1964, he married his sweetheart, and the love of his life, the former Diane Marie Caruzzi. He had a beautiful baritone singing voice and sang in a barbershop quartet during his years at OSU.

After Medical School, he accepted a direct commission in the US Army Medical Corps. His first assignment was in Honolulu, Hawaii where he developed a lifelong love for SCUBA diving. He then served a tour with MAC-V, in the Republic of Vietnam from 1972 to 1973. In 1987, after 20 years of distinguished service, he retired from the Army as a Colonel, serving as Chief of Surgery at Fort Jackson, SC. He then spent the next 10 years working as Director of Emergency Services at Tuomey Hospital in Sumter, SC. Over 30 plus years of medical practice, he touched the lives of many, and saved countless lives.

Ken dearly loved his family; he and Diane were married for 59 years - he passed away on their 59th wedding anniversary. They shared fantastic world travels, adventures, SCUBA diving, ski trips, and bicycle rides. Ken loved his dogs, and his motorcycles, especially his Harley Davidsons. He and Diane covered many road miles together (until they were 80!), even taking their beloved miniature Italian Greyhounds on motorcycle rides, wrapped safely in Ken's jacket with their heads sticking out! He was a true lover of nature, taking his young family on camping trips far into the northern woods of Ontario, Canada several times, and instilling that love in his children. Ken was an exceptional craftsman using his gifted hands to create furniture and northwest Native American artwork, specifically storytelling masks. Ken and Diane were among the original founding congregation members of Spring Valley Baptist Church in 1979. They loved serving their church through singing in the choir, playing in the orchestra, and teaching. Ken also served as a Deacon.

Ken is survived by his wife, Diane Caruzzi Mylander; their children, Laurie Mylander White (Eddie) of Charleston, SC, Dr. Andrew D. Mylander (Julie) of New Bern, NC, and Adrienne Mylander Grier (Manton) of Columbia, SC; grandchildren, Clay, Ivy, April, Rachel, Lauren, and Lucy, great-grandchildren, Emerson, Stella, and Atticus; siblings, David Mylander (Manuella) of Columbus, OH, and Millicent Mylander and Earl Barton of Lake Charles, LA, as well as many loving nieces and nephews.

There will be a private graveside service to celebrate his life. Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, is assisting the family.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the music ministry at Spring Valley Baptist Church, 91 Polo Road, Columbia, SC 29223.