Kennith (Ken) Willings, age 70, passed away on Thursday, January 26, 2023 at his home in Calhoun, Missouri.
Ken was born on February 6, 1952 in Marion, Kentucky to Ray Willings and Pauline (Pugh) Willings. He spent his childhood in Paducah, Kentucky with his five siblings (Jerry, Larry, Darold, Donald, and Paula).
Ken served in the United States Air Force for 21 years. Upon entering the military in 1971, he was stationed at Whiteman Air Force Base (Knob Noster, MO). While there, he met his wife, Debra (Fields) Willings. They were married May 24, 1975 at Waldo Avenue Baptist Church in Independence, MO. They lived in Warrensburg for a short period of time where their first child, Matthew, was born. The family was transferred to F.E. Warren Air Force Base in Cheyenne, Wyoming in 1983 where they resided for 6 years. While in Cheyenne, their second child Andrew was born.
In 1989 the family was transferred back to Whiteman Air Force Base where Ken spent the remainder of his career in the military. They resided in Calhoun, MO and began to sink roots into the community, especially Calhoun Baptist Church where Ken served as a deacon.
After retirement, Ken opened a restaurant in Calhoun, the Calhoun 52 Drive-In. His time in the restaurant business yielded many memorable treats for the citizens of Calhoun, especially his famous “Jug Town” pizza, until it closed in 1993. Ken is probably best known as an employee of Sherman Heating and Plumbing where he worked for over 20 years. Ken delivered and installed appliances for Shermans. He took every opportunity he could to share about his faith and love for Jesus Christ.
Ken was a devoted Christian and loved sharing his testimony. He loved the Lord with all of this heart and enjoyed serving the church in many different roles. He was a humble man, soft spoken, but was not afraid to share his opinion on various topics. He loved the outdoors, especially gardening and camping. Ken especially loved spending time with his family.
Survivors include his wife Debbie of the home, son Matthew and wife Melissa (Oberkrom) of Clinton, son Andrew and wife Melissa (Ferguson) of Clinton. Four Siblings: Jerry, Darold, Donald, and Paula all of Paducah, KY. Father in Law and Mother in Law Charles and Margaret Fields (Calhoun, MO), a brother in law and sister in law Marty and Pam Fields (Calhoun, MO). Seven grandchildren: Wesley and Emma (McQuitty) Willings, Hunter Willings, Myleigh Willings, Owen Willings, Georgia Willings, and Benjamin Willings as well as several nieces and nephews.
Ken is preceded in death by his parents Raymond and Pauline (Pugh) Willings, his brother Larry Willings, and a grandson, Elijah Willings. The family rejoices in the heavenly reunions that have taken place with Ken and those loved ones that have gone before him.
Funeral services were held January 30, 2023 at the Calhoun Baptist Church, Calhoun, MO with Rev. Mark Abney officiating. Special music included “In the Garden, O That Will Be Glory and To God Be the Glory.” Military honors were under the direction of the US AIr Force. Inurnment was in Calhoun Cemetery, Calhoun, MO.
Services were under the direction of Vansant-Mills Funeral Home of Clinton, MO.
