Kenneth L. “Kenny” Fries, age 88, a resident of Chillicothe, Missouri, passed away on Wednesday, May 22, 2024, at Hedrick Medical Center, Chillicothe, Missouri surrounded by his family.
Kenny was born the son of Charles and Vivian Stelplugh Fries on August 27, 1935, in Newton, Iowa. He enlisted in the United States Air Force and began his military journey immediately after graduation in 1954 from Chillicothe High School. Kenny retired from the Chillicothe Post Office in 2000. He was a self-employed farmer who loved to work the land and spent several years enjoying his venture of raising horses.
Kenny was united in marriage to Nancy Ann Morris on October 4, 1958 at St. Columban Catholic Church, Chillicothe, Missouri, and they celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary with family in October 2023 at the Mildred Litton Building, Chillicothe fairgrounds.
He happily served as a member of the Livingston County Fair Board and helped plan and construct the first horse barn at the fairgrounds. He enjoyed being the county 4H and FFA Horsemanship Leader, especially the Sunday evenings practice rides which kids, parents and grandparents enjoyed. While riding with the 4H and FFA Horsemanship members in a Chillicothe Christmas Parade, Kenny broke his leg when his horse slipped, but Kenny finished the parade in pain. He was President of The Preppy Promenaders Square Dance Club for several years. Kenny and Nancy enjoyed RVing and visited every state except Hawaii. He had a knack for construction or repairing anything and was especially skilled in woodworking.
Most of all he was a family man who took pride in his wife, Nancy and their 5 sons and families. Grandchildren and great grandchildren were the pride of his life. He loved to fish especially in Canada, Alaska and the deep sea off the coast of Texas. He loved being outdoors hunting and fishing with all of his family, especially with his grandchildren.
Kenny is survived by his wife, Nancy; five sons, Charles (Connie) Fries of Fort Worth, Texas, Mike (Sharon) Fries of Linneus, Missouri, Dan (Ellie) Fries of Blue Springs, Missouri, Ben (Julie) Fries of Kearney, Missouri and Rod (Holly) Fries of Salina, Kansas; 14 grandchildren, Brandon (Christi) Fries, LeAnn (Aaron) Hankel, Farrah (Matt) Farnie, Stephanie Smithmier, Kelbie (Kevin) Miller, Jeff (Jordan) Fries, Jessica (Josh) Graham, Kristine Heuerman, Emalee Fries, Collin Fries, Lauren Fries, Weston Fries, Nick Flynn, and Tarynn Fields; 24 great grandchildren; and nieces and nephew, Gayle Sembroff, Cathy Daugherty, Lisa Dominque and David Morris. He was preceded in death by his father, Charles Fries, his mother, Vivian and Dick Jackson, his step father; parent-in-laws, Ora and Grace Morris; his sister and brother-in-law, Mary and Don Henley; and his brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Ora Clay, Jr. and Elaine Morris.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at the St. Columban Catholic Church, Chillicothe, Missouri, on Thursday, May 30, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. A Parish Rosary and family tribute will be held at Lindley Funeral Home, Chillicothe, Missouri, on Wednesday, May 29, 2024, at 5:30 p.m., with a visitation to follow until 8:00 p.m. Friends may call at Lindley Funeral Home, Chillicothe, Missouri, on Wednesday, May 29, 2024, from 12:00 noon until 8:00 p.m. Burial will be held at May Cemetery, Chula, Missouri. Memorial contributions may be made to May Cemetery and may be left at or mailed to Lindley Funeral Home, P.O. Box 47, Chillicothe, Missouri 64601. Online condolences may be made at www.lindleyfuneralhomes.com.
Arrangements are under the direction of Lindley Funeral Home, Chillicothe, Missouri.
