Kenneth W. “Ken” Lewellen, 75, of Marshall, died Monday, December 26, 2022 at his home.
Memorial services will be Friday, December 30, 2022 at 2:00 P.M. at Slater United Methodist Church, with Rev. Jess Spurgin officiating. Inurnment will be in Rehoboth Cemetery. Visitation will be Friday from
1 until 2 p.m. at the church. Memorials are suggested to the Marshall Animal Shelter in care of Weiker Funeral Home in Slater.
Born January 6, 1947 in Marshall, he was the son of the late Kenneth C. and Mary Ann Cassaday Lewellen.
He is survived by a brother, Earl Lewellen and his wife Lyn of Lexington; a nephew, Matt Lewellen and his companion Marcus Machado of Parlon, New Jersey; a niece, Julie Thompson and her husband Jack of Higginsville; two great-nieces, Audrey Buckallew and Kayla Limback; and three great-great-nephews Wade Garrett, Camden Limback, and Levi Limback.
Mr. Lewellen was a member of the Slater United Methodist Church. He was raised on a farm north of Slater, attended Central R-2 School, and graduated from Slater High School in 1964. He was a 1968 graduate of Missouri Valley College in Marshall, where he majored in History and Political Science. While attending Missouri Valley College, he took a part-time job at KMMO Radio. Following his college graduation, he accepted a job with the Missouri Secretary of State office, and later migrated to a radio station in Jefferson City. Several years later, he realized he wanted to be closer to home, and applied for a job at KMMO Radio in the News department. He spent nearly forty years in the KMMO family, rising to the position of News Director. He tirelessly covered news and sports, as well as special events, elections, and newsworthy occurrences throughout Central Missouri. Many residents in the area considered him to be the voice of their childhood. He covered many interesting news items, including the 1980 tornado which struck his parents’ home. He worked very closely with law enforcement in the area, reporting accurately and rapidly, assisting them in getting the word out at all hours of the day and night. He enjoyed collecting political buttons, spending time with friends, his dog, and supporting and enjoying the Lyceum Theatre. He enjoyed vacationing, when time permitted, in Key West, Florida.