Kenneth W. DeDonder

Kenneth W. “Kenny” DeDonder 78, Rural Reading, Kansas, passed away Friday, January 16, 2026 as the result of a farming accident while doing the work he loved.

 Kenny was born in Emporia, Kansas on November 9, 1947, the son of Leo F. and Helen (Trear) DeDonder. He graduated from Reading High school in 1965 and later attended the Farm Management Program at Flinthills Vo-Tech 1965-1967, earning his FFA American Farmer Degree in 1967. He married Teresa “Terry” Arndt at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Emporia, Kansas on June 12, 1971, sharing 54 years of marriage. Together they raised six children and built a home rooted in faith, partnership, and commitment. 

Kenny was a lifelong, dedicated farmer. He was a member of Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church, Emporia, Kansas. His strong work ethic shaped a lifetime of farming and service to his community. Kenny served agriculture and youth through decades of involvement as the Lyon County 4-H Crops Coordinator, longtime 4-H member and project leader, a member of Flinthills FFA and Flint Hills Young Farmers, and served on the Lyon County Farm Bureau Board and was a crops judge for area county fairs. He also worked more than 20 years at Modine while continuing to farm, modeling dedication and perseverance to his family and community.

A man of faith, Kenny was an active member of Assumption Church in Reading, serving on council and held several leadership roles throughout the years. He was an avid restorer and collector of pedal tractors, a hobby that reflected both his love of farming and appreciation for craftsmanship and history. He was also a loyal K-State, Chiefs, Royals and Presley’s Country Jubilee fan.

Above all, Kenny cherished family supporting his children and grandchildren in sports, 4-H, FFA and other events. Kenny is survived by his beloved wife Terry DeDonder, of the home. Also surviving are his sons; Kevin (Misty) DeDonder, rural Admire, Kansas, Kris (Carly) DeDonder, Siloam Springs, Arkansas, Keith (Sarah) DeDonder, Holton, Kansas, Kelly (Kiley) DeDonder, rural Admire, Kansas, and daughters; Kimberly (Bryan) Scheets, Edwardsville, Kansas, and Karen (Wes) Garrison, Paxico, Kansas, brothers; Larry (Linda) DeDonder, Emporia, Kansas, Leon (Kathy) DeDonder, St. Louis, Missouri, Eugene (Jeanie) DeDonder, Manhattan, Kansas, and Ron (Lori) DeDonder, Derby, Kansas, sisters; Geralyn (Mike) Arndt, Emporia, Kansas and Maryln (Tom) Ross, California City, California, grandchildren; Bethany, Leo, Owen, Andrea, Skyler, Bristol, Kadyn, Kerrick, Kason, Kolden DeDonder, Isaac, Helen, and Benjamin Garrison, Klay, Kaci, and Kenna DeDonder. And many extended family members and friends who will remember his steady hands, generous heart and enduring legacy.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, January 26, 2026 at 10:00 A.M. at the Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church, Emporia. Burial will follow in the Mount Calvary Catholic Cemetery, Reading, Kansas. The Rosary will be recited at the church Sunday evening at 6:30 P.M., followed by visitation with the family in the church parish hall. 

A memorial has been established and will be designated later. Contributions may be sent in care of Roberts-Blue-Barnett Funeral Home, PO Box #175, Emporia, Kansas 66801.