KENNETH M. COLSTON

KENNETH COLSTON Obituary

Kenneth (Kenny) M. Colston died August 18, 2010 at the home of his daughter in Merriam, KS. Ken was born on February 2, 1914 to John and Lillian Colston in Atherton, MO. A celebration of life service will be held Monday, August 23, 2010 at 1 p.m., at Village Presbyterian Church, 6641 Mission Road in Prairie Village, KS. He served his country during World War II as a Naval Radio Airman; was an active member of Central Presbyterian and Village Church; was a coach extraordinaire for the 3 & 2 Baseball League; was an active member for over 50 years in the Downtown Kansas City Kiwanis Club and worked as a top salesman for Kansas City Life Insurance Company for 70 years. Dad not only believed in setting goals but attaining them. He won awards from Kansas City Life as well as industry-wide awards. Kenny qualified for the Kansas City Life's President's Club 39 times, Kansas City Life's Top Hatters 20 times and the National Sales Achievement Award 23 times. He was presented with the Herbert A. Hedges Sr. award for outstanding dedication to his industry, his community, his church and his family by the Kansas City Life Underwriters Association in 1987. Ken also received his 50th National Quality Award in 1999 presented by the National Association of Life Underwriters which represents more than 200 Life Insurance Companies and thousands of agents. As of 1999, only three other agents had ever achieved this level. He was required to write a certain amount of life insurance, have a 90 percent or better persistency rate and keep the business on the books for at least two years. "Helping people is the most enjoyable thing out there." Ken was a tireless worker in his professional life and in his volunteer life. He loved fishing and all types of sports. Kenny loved his family most of all. He is predeceased by his wife, Ruth; and is survived by his daughter and son-in- law, Janet and Bob Sperry; their daughter, Mindy Sperry; and daughter and son-in-law Becky and Wes Waller; and son and daughter-in-law Greg and Ann Colston, and their children Jessica Colston and Kevin Colston. In lieu of flowers, Kenny's wishes were to have memorials sent to the Kiwanis Student Assistance Program, c/o Ami Schlader, Commerce Trust Co., 118 W. 47thSt., Kansas City, MO 64112.

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Published by Kansas City Star from Aug. 21 to Aug. 22, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for KENNETH COLSTON

3 Entries

darrel robertson

September 21, 2010

greg and janet i recently learned of your dad's passing. i am so sorry! he was an inspiration to all. his dedication to all his work was exemplary. he will be missed by all! god bless you in this time sorrow but in time of celebration of his wonderful life.

Margaret Heckman

August 22, 2010

I am so sorry to hear of Kenny's death. Both my husband (Tom Heckman) and I worked at Kansas City Life. All who knew Kenny was his friend. He was a perfect gentleman at all times. Please accept my deepest sympathy for your loss.

Jim Gallliher

August 21, 2010

To the Colston Family,

So very sorry to learn of Kenny's passing. He was a dear and gentle man who always had a smile on his face and a spark in his eyes. My family sat behind Kenny and Ruth during worship at Village Church, and, after Ruth's passing, we sat near Kenny for several years. He always had something good to say to us and especially to my daughers -- Kate and Sarah. They adored Kenny and Ruth.

Kenny was an amazing man and role model -- especially to me as I approach retirement age. I was always so awed by his work ethic and love of work. Both Kenny and I were blessed in that regard. I don't think he thought of work as work but simply another opportunity to share with others and provide a service when needed.

I am sure that the hundreds (if not thosands) of people that Kenny touched with his gentle and gracious manner will remember Kenny in their hearts and prayers at his passing. His life touched so many people and his passing is sad -- yet a cause to celebrate his life and the many contributions to his family, church, work, and community.

In peace and good cheer,
Jim Galliher

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