Kenneth Jack Meinert

Kenneth Jack Meinert, 78, of Kearney, MO, passed away peacefully on May 31, 2025, at Oak Point Memory Care after an 11-year journey with Alzheimer's disease.
He is survived by his wife, Kathy, and two sons and daughters-in-law: Aaron Meinert (Kerrie) and Nathan Meinert (Tara) of Kearney, 3 grandsons, Drake, Dawson and Dane; a brother Jerry Meinert of Kingsville, MO, a brother Dennis Meinert (Beverly) of Columbia, Mo; two sisters-in-law, Joy Fray (Mike) of Quincy, IL and Karen Farris (Larry) of Gladstone, MO, and six nieces and six nephews.
He was preceded in death by his father and mother, Harry and Madeleine Meinert, a sister-in-law, Helen Meinert, a nephew Brendan Meinert, and his in-laws, Katherine and James L. Johnson.
Ken was born on July 13, 1946, in Centralia, IL, to Harry and Madeleine Meinert. His family moved to Moberly, MO when he was in the first grade.
Ken graduated from Moberly High School in 1964. He enjoyed playing multiple sports growing up and during high school including baseball, basketball, and track. He attended Moberly Junior College for two years where he played on the National Champion Moberly Greyhound basketball team under future NBA coach Cotton Fitzsimmons. He then received a scholarship to the University of Missouri to play baseball and graduated in 1968. The Mizzou legacy flourished in his family with his wife, both sons, both daughters-in-law and a grandson all graduating from Mizzou. M I Z !
After college, Ken and Kathy married and moved to Kansas City where he taught social studies for two years and coached in the Hickman Mills school district. He left teaching to pursue a career in corporate sales. Ken moved his family to Kearney, MO, in 1975 and spent most of his career at Bonne Bell cosmetics, leading sales teams and ultimately being promoted to National Merchandising manager. He became known by many nieces and friends as the "LipSmacker man" since he was always handing out Bonne Bell flavored lip smackers.
During his years in Kearney, he was active in the community as a member of the First United Methodist Church, member of the Kearney Jaycees, and serving on the Kearney School Board.
After retirement, he became the Manager of the Kearney Senior Center and helped launch the present location as well as orchestrating the kitchen addition.
Ken was a devoted husband and father always putting his family first. His positive energy, zest for fun, and love for all shaped the lives of those he cherished most. He was actively involved in coaching and supporting his sons and grandsons in Kearney sports and activities.
Friends would describe Ken as their "music man" who always had the "tunes" for their gatherings and entertainment. He enjoyed all genres of music; however, the Beatles first inspired his love of music. He was a party organizer providing lots of laughs for all his friends and family. He was a devoted husband who always treated Kathy like a queen. Ken had many lifelong friends that he cherished just as much as his family.
His journey through life was defined by the love he gave to his family and friends, the faith he lived, and the music and sports that brought him joy. He leaves behind a legacy of love, perseverance and unwavering kindness. He will be deeply missed but never forgotten.
A memorial service and "Ken's Concert" will be held at the Kearney First United Methodist Church on Friday, June 13th at 5PM.
All are invited to the Blue Heron afterwards for drinks and refreshments to celebrate Ken.
In lieu of flowers, the family is asking for donations to the newly established Meinert Family Scholarship Fund which will annually provide to future generations of the Kearney community to further preserve his legacy. https://meinert-family-scholarship.cheddarup.com