Kenneth Leon Klocke, 93, of Edina, Missouri formerly of the Bee Ridge Community, passed away Wednesday evening, May 17, 2023, at the Knox County Nursing Home in Edina, Missouri.
He was born on April 29, 1930, near Newark, Missouri, the son of Merle William and Estyle Lee Rudd Klocke.
Kenneth attended Coe, Ross Rural Schools, Knox City Elementary, and Edina High School graduating in the Class of 1947. He continued his education at the University of Missouri – Columbia, graduating the Class of 1952 with a B.S. in Agriculture.
He honorably served his country in the United States Army during the Korea Conflict. After fulfilling his duties as a soldier, Kenneth returned to the Bee Ridge community where he partnered with his father on the family farm. He met the new county home economist, Tennessee Ann O’Dell and they were married in Novelty, Missouri on October 6, 1956. Family life was expanded when two daughters and two sons were added to the union.
Kenneth is survived by his wife, Ann Klocke of Edina, Missouri; children, Beverly Kay and Joe Coffelt of California, Missouri, Lou-Ann and Charles Fowler of Tulsa, Oklahoma, Merle Edward Klocke and his significant other Paula Bradshaw of Brashear, Missouri, Mark Ralph and Teri Klocke of Knox City, Missouri and Clayton and Melissa Rice, that they treated like a son; grandchildren, Shanna Cochran, Hunter Klocke, Ethan Fowler, Austin Fowler, Evan Fowler, Taylor Ann Klocke, Logan Manning Klocke, Eric and Sally Engelbrecht, Gregory and Remmington Engelbrecht, Katrina, Ron, and Lathan York, April, Kenna and Weston Engelbrecht, Johnnie Lewis and Joe and Jaymee and Kyree Engelbrecht; along with numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and a host of friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Merle and Estyle Klocke, a son, baby boy Klocke; a grandson, Aaron Fowler; and a sister, Wilma Behymer.
A Celebration of Life will be at 3:00 p.m. Tuesday, May 23, 2023, at the Doss Funeral Home in Edina, Missouri with the family receiving friends one hour before the service at the funeral home.
Interment will be in the Bee Ridge Cemetery southeast of Edina, Missouri at a later date.
An expression of sympathy in memory of Kenneth Klocke may be left to the Bee Ridge Cemetery. A memorial may be left at or mailed to the Doss Funeral Home 208 N. 4th Street, Edina, Missouri 63537.