News

Ken Youngblood, visionary leader and old lion of the bar, dies at age 95

Ken Youngblood

By Lightning Reports, Published: April 3, 2026

Kenneth Ray "Ken" Youngblood, a visionary leader in the county where he was born, passionate advocate for the preservation of history and one of the old lions of the Henderson County bar, died on Saturday, March 28, at the age of 95.

Born on a little stretch of Fletcher known as Poker Alley, Youngblood lived a long and remarkable life rooted in the southern Appalachian mountains.

Youngblood attended Christ School and went on to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he also earned his law degree. He spent more than 70 years practicing law—all the way up to his 95th year. He served his country in the U.S. Navy, carrying that same sense of duty into his civilian life.

His life was marked by a deep and lasting commitment to the community he loved.

He was among the founding board members of many of the institutions that continue to shape Henderson County today, including the Community Foundation of Henderson County, the Henderson County Education Foundation, Carolina Village, the Hendersonville Symphony Orchestra, the Henderson County Cancer Society and the Historic Johnson Farm.

He played a role in helping establish every volunteer fire department in Henderson County — quietly leaving his mark in ways that have protected and strengthened the community for generations. A respected leader in the legal community, both locally and across the state, he volunteered as legal counsel for Henderson County Public Schools for more than 30 years, offering his time and expertise in service of students, teachers and administrators. He was an active member of both the North Carolina and American Bar Associations, having served as chair of the North Carolina General Statutes Committee and also holding the role of counselor to the North Carolina State Bar for the 29th Judicial District. His work reflected not only professional excellence, but a belief that the law should serve people in meaningful and lasting ways.

Youngblood’s devotion to his hometown remained constant throughout his life. A lifelong member of Fletcher United Methodist Church, he served on the Fletcher Advisory Committee and volunteered legal services during the town’s incorporation, helping guide its early foundation. He also supported the Friends of the Fletcher Library, the Fletcher Elementary Endowment Fund and numerous other local efforts.

Youngblood was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 65 years, Joyce Youngblood, his son John Youngblood, his brother Joe Youngblood and his parents, Kate and Pete Youngblood.

He is survived by his daughter, Kaye Youngblood; his grandson, Jake Youngblood; and sisters-in-law, Ann Allen, Becky Johnson and Sara Youngblood. He also leaves behind nieces and nephews Rick Johnson (Eunie), Sherry Hougard (Steve), Beth Youngblood (Paul Jason), Josie Sidhu, Katie Henderson, Peter Youngblood (Victoria), Mary Youngblood (Luis Martinez), Benjamin Youngblood, Mark Henderson, and Michael Moore — along with great-nieces and nephews Megan Moore (Almir) Chance Moore (Dalen), Kate Moore Kolbasi (Levent), Jaiden Sidhu, Isaac Henderson, Addisyn Sidhu, Joe Martinez, Dean Martinez, Sara Vivian Martinez, Madison Hougard, Nate Hougard and Chum Hougard.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Fletcher United Methodist Church or to the Community Foundation of Henderson County. A memorial service will be announced at a later date, Shuler Funeral Home announced.