Per Ken’s wishes, there will not be any formal services. Memories of Ken and condolences to the family may be shared at meyersfuneralchapel.com. The family suggests donations to Cystic Fibrosis Foundation in his memory.
Kenneth “Ken” C. Jackson, 97, a Northland resident of Kansas City, MO passed away peacefully on Saturday, June 17, 2023 at Wexford Place where he was under the care of Ascend Hospice. Ken was born July 2, 1926 to Elmer and Mabel Elizabeth (Lenn) Jackson in St. Louis, MO.
After graduating from Wyandotte High School he was drafted into the Army and served in WWII. After coming home from military duty he worked for KSG in Kansas City, KS. Ken then attended KU but decided he would rather buy his Uncle Lenn’s grocery store, located at North 10th and Orville in Kansas City, KS, than pursue a degree. He ran Lenn’s Market until 1998 when he retired. His mother, wife and two daughters all took turns working there with him.
Kenneth was united in marriage with Katharine Trotter on April 4th, 1953. From this union they had two daughters, Carol and Joyce. They raised their daughters in Prairie Village, KS, and lived in the home they built there for 60 years.
Ken and Kathy were members of the Wornall Road Baptist Church, they were very active with volunteering: serving church dinners; singing in the choir and teaching Sunday School. In the past few years, Ken and Kathy enjoyed their membership at the Village Presbyterian Church.
He enjoyed singing in a Barber Shop Quartet, playing the piano, guitar, saxophone, and organ. He enjoyed performing in musical theater and sang in several productions of The Music Man. He loved all animals (especially furry ones), helping people and telling jokes. Ken would get so tickled and would start laughing so hard at his own joke, he couldn’t finish telling the joke. The sound of his laughter will be deeply missed. At one time he had a pilot’s license and a small airplane he built and flew. Later in life he took up safer hobbies like building model airplanes. He also was involved with Keenagers and was the president. Ken will be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather and uncle.
Ken is survived by his two daughters: Carol Jackson; Joyce Bibens (Roger); three grandchildren: Joseph Bufi (Aislinn); Katie Bufi and James Bibens; two nephews Tim Holmes and Terry Holmes; and numerous grand puppies. He was preceded in death by his wife Katharine, both parents and a sister Dorothy Holmes.
The family would like to thank Ascend Hospice and Wexford Place for taking such good care of Dad these last three years.
Carol and Joy: I enjoyed knowing your Dad. He was one of a kind. I along with my deceased husband worked with Ken and Kathy in the church kitchen, serving meals and anything that needed to be done. We enjoyed his sense of humor and always willing to do whatever needed to be done.
I know you will miss him, and I know he was a good Dad and Grandpa and he took such good care of your mother. He was a good man.
Margaret Clark
I miss Ken and Kathy. I knew them from worshiping at Wornall Road Baptist Church, and all the other multiple church events he loved to volunteer for. Serving in the kitchen, playing the Fellowship Hall piano 🎹, amongst other things. He was a strong Christian man. Everyone could tell that he was a very good husband to Kathy, loved her a ton. They were always together! I hope they have seen each other in Heaven already. That would be such sweetness for them.
“TO HONOR A VETERAN”
Thank you Ken for your service to our country. Because of your service you have given each and everyone of us our freedom. God bless you for keeping our country safe.
A wonderful man. I have fond memories of Ken at Wornall Road Baptist Church. It was a privilege and honor to know him.
Earnie Kendall
It was great pleasure to know Ken and Kathy through the years at Wornall Road Baptist Church. They were a great couple.