Kenneth Larry “Kenny” Edmonds, 79, Oak Grove, MO (formerly of Parkville, MO) passed away Tuesday, January 17, 2023, at North Kansas City Hospital with his loving family by his side. Kenny was born to Herbert M. and Lydia M. (Roberts) Edmonds on May 27, 1943, in Auburn, NE.
Kenny was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting, fishing, and trapping. Eventually everyone went on a fishing trip with Kenny. He was a beekeeper for over 30 years, who made much of his own equipment, and always gave away his honey to bring a smile to family, friends, and acquaintances.
Kenny will be remembered for his generous heart and helping hand for anyone needing help. He was the go-to-man for fixing anything and everything. Kenny took pleasure in helping others, but also in teaching them to help themselves. He never met a stranger.
He was united in marriage with Anita Mae Schwarting on September 20, 1965. He and Anita built a home in Parkville, MO, doing much of the work themselves. On the property, they created a small farmstead consisting of rabbits, chickens, hunting dogs, and goats. Together, they had two children, John and Lisa. Anita preceded Kenny in death on February 11, 2019.
Kenny was a member of Temple Gate lodge No. 299, where he was elevated to the status of Master Mason. He was also an advisor for DeMolay and Jobs Daughter with his children.
Kenny worked at General Mills Flour Mill as a machine mechanic for 38 years, from 1966 to 2004, where he was known for occasionally bringing in “exotic” foods (mostly from his hunting adventures) for his coworkers to sample. He retired in October of 2004, after which he took more fishing and hunting trips.
Kenny found love again with longtime acquaintance Barbara (Crisp) Edmonds and married again on August 13, 2022. They enjoyed each other’s company very much and were able to travel before their time together was unexpectedly cut short.
Kenny is survived by his two children: son, John Edmonds and his partner Robert Burns of Overland Park, KS; daughter, Lisa Pittman and husband Shawn of Parkville, MO; a beloved granddaughter, Kelsey (Pittman) Buchheim and husband Zach; and one great grandson: Oliver Samuel Buchheim; his new wife, Barbara (Crisp) Edmonds; her children and their families; two sisters: Frances “Frankie” Elaine (Edmonds) Workman and her partner Tom Freeman; and Beverly J. (Edmonds) McWilliams. Kenny was preceded in death by both parents, Herbert and Lydia Edmonds; and two brothers: Keith Herbert Edmonds and Roger Dale “Butch” Edmonds. He will also be missed by many cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Visitation will be held from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m., Friday, January 27, 2023, at Meyers Northland Chapel 401 Main St. Parkville, MO. Funeral service celebrating Kenny’s life will be held at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, January 28, 2023, at the chapel with Rev. Matt Dunn of the First Baptist Church of Bates City officiating, where Kenny was a member. Interment will immediately follow at East Slope Cemetery in Riverside, MO. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Pheasants Forever – https://www.pheasantsforever.org. Memories of Kenny and condolences to the family may be shared at htps://meyersfuneralchapel.com.
Kenny was such a great guy. he trained me on many machines at the big G and never got upset with my ignorance on running machines while I had no idea what I was doing he just kept his patience. and until I finally understood what I needed to know which in turn inspired me to try that much harder to be the best I could be at what I did. thank you, Kenny you made, a huge. positive difference in my life you will not be forgotten. RIP my friend.
Ken was a huge influence on me during my childhood. He continually showed me compassion and kindness. He also talk me the art of hunting. What I didn’t realize at the time we were hunting was all the life lessons he was weaving into the experience. So many of my skills can be traced back to our time together out in the woods. I will always remember the time together and my heart is filled with amazing memories. I pray for the family and the journey they are embarking on without him. RIP Ken.
Kenny, although we didn’t get to know each other for a long period of time, I am so glad to have met you. Your positive attitude and pleasant smile would brighten anyone’s day. You will be missed by many. Bless you and rest in peace.
I’ve only known Kenny for a few months but he left a high impact on me! He was such a kind soul and he became a part of my family from day one. Knowing he is with the Lord is a great comfort. Thanks Kenny for the candy on Sunday mornings🥰
Kenny & I went to Brock High School in Nebraska. He was always friendly.
Sorry to hear of Kenny,’s death it’s been awhile but I worked with him..
Kenny has always been willing to help those who needed it. He welcomed anyone with a big heart and hug. Kenny brought smiles and joy to our family. Always excited to share his life stories and lessons learned to help improve everyone’s life. His desire to live life to the fullest and positive energy will be remembered and missed. ❤️
I have known Kenny and most of his Family for over 35 years. We worked together at the Mill. I moved closer for work , and we were within a couple miles of each other. We fished, hunted and camped together. Helped each other with home projects. His Friendship and Country Demeanor will be Missed. R I P Partner .
My condolences to the Edmonds family. I have known this family for many years. . Kenny and Anita and Dean and I made a trip to Minnesota many years ago. Kenny introduced me to fried frog legs on that trip. Kenny will be missed. Prayers to the family and especially Lisa and Johnny.
I have only known Kenny for a few months. We went to church together. He would hold my hand or Sharons hamd with Barbara on his left side. I loved that he wa so kind to me.He was a joy to be around and my family made him part of us. We will miss him greatly.
I am going to miss you next door , what a good friend you were ,.the summer talks we have had ,and love your honey ,what will I DO ,just un real that you got sick, .the food you and lisa would give .we were bless to know you and family .love you .miss you ,hope to see you on the other side maybe we can drop a line. .love ya my friend.
Kenny,
Fishing trips to South Dakota w ont be the same any more! I will miss you and your mouse traps and all the stories you spun. Very hard to find people like you, thanks for the great memories keep shoveling the coal till I get there!
So sorry for such a short time knowing Ken, but his smile and sweet spirit was a blessing to our dear Barb and our church family. I pray his entire family will come to peace with God through Christ so that our heavenly home will be our sure hope of reunion in God’s time.9
Our love and prayers go out to you and your family Lisa. Our condolences on your great loss. We love you, big hugs.
Barbara you made Kenny happier than I have ever seen him. Lisa and Johnny and your respective families Kenny loved all of you and was very happy. My fondest memories of him were family reunions. He took over frying fish like Grandma Roberts did. He will be missed by many who knew him. Rest in peace dear cuz.
Uncle Kenny, you will be missed greatly. I remember growing up it felt like almost every other weekend we would come down to visit. I remember having a loose tooth and you offering to pull it with pliers, I was terrified lol. Helping you feed the hounds. Going to all the little weird stores, helping me find the right brick chew for my dad, you showing me my first double yoke egg even. You coming to visit us in Brock and the boys loved your electric bike and going fishing with you. Watching TV while you and my dad napped in the easy chairs, tired from a night of hunting, in the living room when we came to visit. You always had a smile on your face when we pulled up to visit. I will miss the honey you always brought up when you came up to visit and go fishing. You will be missed greatly. I told we meet again may the Lord hold you in his hands.
Kenny was truly a man of honor and goodness. Story’s he told of him and Anita and everyone in his family he always had a good story with meaning behind it and Lways with love and. Smile on his face. He loved to fish we did thT together and just talked . He was a great listener as well as advisor. He would teach you anything you needed to know. I’ll miss his honey as well and the stories behind it. Barb you put the biggest smile back on that man’s face the joy he felt just mentioning your name. Them we met you and could see after a short conversation everyone could see why. I truly believe Kenny and you were meant to be and that may have been that man’s last purpose God had for him. Though your lives together was cut way to short the love he had for you and everyone could see will never be forgotten. My love goes to all of the family we all lived him so, friends as well as I don’t know a soul who didn’t like Kenny he was truly an angel on earth. Till we meT again save a fishing spot for me up there.
When I die give what’s left of me to children & old men that wait to die.
And if you need to cry, cry for your brother walking the street beside you.
And when you need me, put your arms around anyone & give them what you need to give me.
I want to leave you something, something better than words or sounds. Look for me in the people I’ve known or loved, and if you cannot give me away, at least let me live in your eyes & not in your mind.
You can love me best by letting hands touch hands, and by letting bodies touch bodies, and by letting go of children that need to be free.
Love doesn’t die, people do.
So when all that’s left of me is love, give me away.
Rest In Peace Kenny
John, I am sorry to hear of your dad’s passing. This is the difficult part of life. It is bittersweet to see our loved ones leave this world, but to know that what lies in front of them is so wonderful it is nearly unimaginable. I pray loved ones will support you, and your family. I pray that you can find comfort in the Lord who will give you strength. I pray that memories of your dad flood your heart, your mind, and your soul. I know that as time passes you will sometimes, laugh, sometimes, cry, but I pray you will always feel his love surrounding you. May God bless your DAD and you!