Kenneth Willard Dudley

KENNETH WILLARD DUDLEY Kenneth Willard Dudley, 78, of Meadville, Missouri, passed away at his residence on December 23, 2024. Kenneth was born on February 23, 1946, in Trenton, Missouri the son of Jess Dudley and Mary Louise (Searcy) Dudley Renfro. On February 14, 1970, he married Carolyn Ann Rottmann, his wife of 54 years, who survives of the home. To this union, two children were born, a son, David, in 1975, and a daughter, Kristin, in 1982. Kenneth began his education in a one-room country school in northern Linn County. A proud 1964 graduate of Meadville R-IV High School, Kenneth continued his education and graduated in 1968 from Northeast Missouri State (now Truman State University) in Kirksville, Missouri, with a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Arts Education. He taught industrial arts and driver training at Meadville from 1969-1970 and then was drafted into the United States Army where he served in Vietnam. While Kenneth was drafted into the United States Army in 1970, he served honorably in Vietnam in the 501st Infantry 101st Airborne which is known as the Screaming Eagles, and was awarded the Combat Infantryman Badge, a Bronze Star Medal, and a Purple Heart. Upon his return home, Kenneth continued his devotion to education in the Meadville R-IV school system, and from 1972 to 1982, he was the counselor at Meadville School. He earned a Masters Degree from Northeast Missouri State in 1975 and then in 1982, he completed a specialist degree from the University of Missouri in Columbia. In 1982, he became district Superintendent, a role he held with dedication and distinction until his retirement in 2009. After retirement, he continued to serve the Meadville R-IV School as the Transportation Director and a part-time school bus driver. Kenneth enjoyed going to all of the events in Meadville to support the area youth. He was a member of the Meadville Lions Club, the American Legion, and the Meadville Booster Club. He was a summer playground coach and a 4-H club project leader. He also served as the President of the Missouri Association of Rural Education in 2004-2005 and was on the Board of Directors for MARE for another year following his presidency as an advocate for educational needs in rural communities in Missouri. Kenneth was baptized at an early age and also attended the Meadville Church of Christ. Kenneth is survived by his wife, Carolyn; his son, David Dudley (Brandy), of Purdin; and his daughter, Kristin Dudley, of Meadville. He was a proud grandfather to his grandsons, Zane and Kellyn Dudley, and his granddaughters, McKenna Horton (Wade), all of Meadville, and Mallory and Macy Lambert, of Purdin. He is also survived by his sister, Donna Roberts of Chillicothe, Missouri, and a sister-in-law, Vickie Dewey, of Liberty, Missouri; nieces Kathy Sargent (Mike) and Dianne Oder (Tim), of Meadville; Rhonda Pilcher (Mike), of Trimble, Missouri; and Cara Skillman (Devin), of Liberty, Missouri; and a nephew, Craig Dewey (Katie) of Parkville, Missouri, and several other great and great-great nieces and nephews, and many friends. He is also survived by decades of students at Meadville who will always be his "kids." Kenneth was preceded in death by his parents; a stepdad, Eugene Renfro; father-and mother-in-law, Darrell and Wilda Rottmann; and a brother-in-law, Jim Roberts. Kenneth will be remembered for his unwavering commitment to his family, his community, and his country. He truly bled purple for the school district he worked for and nurtured for years, as well as his support for staff and students, both past and present. His contributions to education and his leadership in the Meadville School District and Meadville community have left an enduring legacy that will not be forgotten. Kenneth also enjoyed playing cards with friends, participating in outdoor activities with his grandkids particularly fishing and hunting, cracking witty jokes, spending time in the pasture with his herd of cattle as a part of Parsons Creek Angus, attending school activities, playing golf, working on woodworking projects, spending time with his granddog, and watching Missouri sports teams. Visitation will be held Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025, from 5-7 p.m. and funeral services areFriday, Jan. 3, 2025, at 11 a.m. at Wright Funeral Home in Brookfield, Missouri. Burial will be at a later date. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, contributions be made to the Kenneth Dudley Memorial Walking Track, to be included in future Meadville R-IV School capital improvement projects, or to the Botts Cemetery. Contributions may be left at or mailed to Wright Funeral Home,P.O. Box 496, Brookfield, MO 64628. Kenneth Willard Dudley's memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him. He leaves many comical tales as a school administrator and disciplinarian. Yet "Mr. Dudley" is also remembered for his positive impact on and mentorship of other educators, students, and peers as he was often a voice of reason and willing to help guide others. He was also too modest to accept these accolades.