Kenneth David Darrough, 83, went to be with his Lord and Savior Sunday, February 26, 2012, while at his home with his two children at his side. He was born August 29, 1928 in St. Louis , Missouri to Elmer and Gertrude ( Hopkins ) Darrough.
He lived in Bell , California and graduated from Bell High School in 1947. Kenneth served in the United States Army from 1948 – 1952 in Germany , he was a Sgt. 1st class – Field Artillery. He received the Occupation Medal in Germany and the Good Conduct Medal. After his military service he attended Lancaster Junior College in California and worked for Firestone Tire & Rubber. After this, he then worked for United Testing Laboratories / Research and Development on the Atlas Missile at Edwards Rocket Base on the edge of the Mojave Dessert. He was an Engineer and worked for eight years in California ; Rapid City , South Dakota ; Cheyenne , Wyoming and finally Denver , Colorado . While in Lancaster , California , Kenneth met and later married Joan (Ray) on April 25, 1959. In 1961, they moved to Johnson and began farming with his father-in-law. In 1972, he and his wife built and opened K & S Meat Processing in Johnson , Kansas . He retired at the age of 62.
Kenneth was a life long member of the Grand Lodge A. F. & A.M. of Kansas – Masonic Lodge # 441 and a Shriner with the Midian Shrine Temple of Wichita, he was also a life member of the Scottish Rite of Free Masonry, a life member of post #3162 VFW, a life member of American Legion, Past Master of Johnson Lodge #441 and held numerous positions within the lodge. While in high school, he was a linebacker and tackle for the Bell High School football team. He also was an adult sponsor for several ski trips with the Boy Scouts in Johnson. In addition, for many years he had a Men’s Slow Pitch Softball team in Johnson. After his retirement, he enjoyed being a First Responder and driving the ambulance for Stanton County EMS .
Kenneth enjoyed skiing, going to the lake and traveling in the early years. He worked hard all of his life and was known to be a fixer – there wasn’t anything that he couldn’t fix. Kenneth loved reading his bible and was always searching for more answers. Another favorite past-time that he had was giving those around him a hard time.
Survivors include a son, Shane Darrough and wife Katie of Ford, Kansas and their four children; and daughter, Kim Darrough-Hayden and husband Sam of Ulysses, Kansas and their seven children.
He is preceded in death by his wife, Joan; his parents, Elmer and Gertrude; a brother, Norry; and sister, Marion.
Graveside service will be held Wednesday, February 29, 2012 at 2:00 PM at the Ulysses Cemetery in Ulysses, Kansas with Masonic rites conducted by Lodge #441 of Johnson and Lodge #435 of Ulysses and Military rites conducted by Dexter D. Harbour American Legion Post #79. He will be laid to rest next to his wife of 49 years, Joan. Friends may call Tuesday, February 28, 2012 from 2:00 PM until 8:00 PM at Garnand Funeral Home in Ulysses, Kansas . Memorial contributions may be given to United Methodist Youthville, Three Angels, Shrine Hospital Cancer Center and Stanton County EMS in care of Garnand Funeral Home, 405 W. Grant Ave , Ulysses , KS 67880 .
