Obituary of Kenneth Dale Stilwell

Kenneth Dale Stilwell, 76-year-old resident of Doniphan, MO, departed this life at home with family on Saturday, October 7, 2023. He was born August 4, 1947, in Doniphan, to the late Lee Roy and Nellie (Barcom) Stilwell.

Ken was a “Jack-of-all-Trades” having been employed with McDonnell Douglas, in finance with Bank of Grandin, serving his community as Eastern District County Commissioner, and most well-known for his time working as a salesman at Current River Ford. He was an entrepreneur on his own by raising cattle and hogs and owning Ripley County Farm Center. Ken also owned and operated school buses for Doniphan School. In addition, he owned several manufacturing businesses, a sawmill, used furniture store, car lots, a trucking company, and even an auction house. Ken enjoyed playing golf, quail hunting with his brother-in-law, Dwaine Moore, and his father-in-law, Jess Murray, and playing pool and bowling with his dad, Lee Roy. He also served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War.

On August 16, 1969, Ken married Sue (Murray) Stilwell in Doniphan at Oak Grove Church of God. She survives. Also surviving are his children, Trent (Gina) Stilwell of Poplar Bluff, MO and Nikki (Andrew) Johannsen of Doniphan; a sister, Barbara (Charles) Young of Eustis, FL; a brother-in-law, Ronnie Nelson of Doniphan; his grandchildren, Wyatt, Blake, Riley, Harley, and Hannah; adoptive grandchildren, Eli and Cali; and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Ken was preceded in death by a sister, Linda Nelson.

Visitation will be held in the Edwards Funeral Home Chapel on Wednesday, October 11,023, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. The funeral services will be held on Thursday, October 12, 2023, at 10:00 a.m., also at the funeral home. Brother Steve Patterson and Brother Ron Daughhetee will be officiating, and burial will be in the Oak Grove Cemetery with full military honors.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent in his name to the Doniphan FFA, Attn: Liz Schroeder, 302 East Spring Street, Doniphan, MO  63935.