Kenneth Lee Kane, 84, departed this life on Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024. He was born Oct. 31, 1939, in Doniphan, Mo., to the late Earl and Lora (Hayes) Kane.
Ken, a Certified Public Accountant, served in the Air Force, as an Administrative Officer in the United States Forest Service, and in several civic-minded leadership roles. Enjoying a career of ever-advancing responsibilities, he and his family lived in ten different cities across four different states until spending his final 28 years in his beloved Missouri.
Ken's career in the US Forest Service included leadership on the Superior, Mark Twain, Chippewa, Tongass, and Rio Grande National Forests, as well as the Fort Collins Forest Service Computer Center, starting as an accountant in Duluth and working his way up to Administrative Officer of the Colorado Rio Grande Forest.
On Dec. 17, 1960, Ken married Carole Ann Wiley at the First Church of God in Doniphan. She preceded him in death on Dec. 29, 2009. Following Carole’s passing, Ken wrote a book titled “The Love of My Life” chronicling her (and his) life journey - which included an incredible array of church and community-oriented volunteer and fundraising projects in every city they called home.
In 2006, the Doniphan Chamber of Commerce honored Ken and Carole Kane as the “Partner Citizens of the Year” for their community efforts including leading Timberfest, American Cancer Society, Church Kids programs and several other events. Ken tirelessly wrote and fulfilled grant proposals including a handicapped accessible riverfront park, Food Pantry funding and a litany of housing projects for those in need.
His passion for the outdoors was evident through his love for hunting, fishing and ranching, and he faithfully supported young people’s sports and music endeavors, often traveling for hours to enjoy basketball and band or music events. He had also been an active member of the First Church of God in Doniphan, with over 25 years of perfect Church attendance. Ken was a cherished member of the Doniphan community.
He was also preceded by brothers, Robert, Willard, Willis, Warren, Lawrence, Paul, and Linden Kane, and sisters, Verna Holland, Irene Davis, Sylvia Albanesi, and Bashie Williams.
Surviving are his children, Kevin (Judy) Kane of Theodosia, Mo., and Kerry Kane of Phoenix, Ariz.; second wife, Jayne Kane of West Plains; grandchildren, Christopher Kane, Kyle Kane, Riley Kane, and Trevor Kane; and one great-granddaughter, Marceline Kane.
A graveside service was held on Thursday, Sept. 12, 2024, at the Doniphan City Cemetery.
