Kenneth M. “Ken” Fansher was born in Forbes, Missouri on February 20, 1941. He was the fourth of nine children of Samuel L. and Pearl G. (Noble) Fansher. Ken attended school at the Oak Grove School before graduating from Oregon High School. He then attended Maryville State Teacher’s College. In November of 1962 Ken enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and served until March of 1966.
Ken became the father of two children, Brian and Tabbi. He retired as a production manager from Nestle Purina Pet Care in St. Joseph where he worked for many years.
Ken passed away at his home on Monday, October 28, 2024 at the age of 83.
Survivors include his children, Brian (Samantha) Fansher and Tabbi Fansher (Adam); six grandchildren, Hannah (Tyler) Vergith, Hayley Fansher, Brooke Reyer, Katie Fansher, Sebastian Fansher, and Harlea Fansher; three great grandchildren, Alaina, Aleeah and Addy Vergith; brothers, Eldon, Paul, and Jay Fansher; sisters, Linda Heckman and Sue Meade; Ken’s companion of 34 years, Dee Butler; her four children, Danny Blanton, Tammy Brunner, Dusty (Tonya) Butler, and Tina Butler; her grandchildren, Missy Blanton, Andi (Travis) Young, Dakota Butler and Darcey Butler; and her great grandchildren, Jaylee Blanton, Jerzey Ziolkowski, Paiten, Parker and Geo Young, Kamden Turner, and Rickie Goddard.
He was preceded in death by his parents; an infant brother, Eddie; brother, Larry; sister, Dorothy; Dee’s daughter-in-law, Brenda Blanton, and son-in-law, David Brunner.
Ken loved being outdoors, fishing and hunting deer, turkey and squirrel. He especially enjoyed sharing those times with his children and grandchildren, teaching them about nature. He also enjoyed working with horses and mules.
