Kenneth Lyle Mumford

Kenneth Lyle Mumford, 83, passed away on June 3, 2025, in Chariton, Iowa, with his loving family by his side. A graveside funeral service with military honors will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, June 10, 2025, at Mt. Zion Cemetery in Oakley. A luncheon will follow services at Pierschbacher Funeral Home in Chariton.
Kenneth was born in Des Moines, Iowa on April 6, 1942, to Kenneth and Inita (Rohrer) Mumford. He grew up in Des Moines and attended North High School. In 1959, he enlisted in the United States Navy. Kenneth served with honor until 1965, demonstrating the dedication and strength that would define the rest of his life.
On November 2, 1974, Kenneth married the love of his life, Judith Housman, in Princeton, Missouri. Their marriage was one of deep devotion, friendship, and shared adventures, including seventeen winters spent together in Texas. Kenneth worked for Hy-Vee for 37 years, first as a truck driver and later in the warehouse. He was a hard worker and a dependable presence to all who knew him. He loved the outdoors - camping, fishing, gardening, and canning the fruits of his labor. He never missed a good boxing match and was always up for a game of cards with friends. Kenneth had a playful spirit, ornery in the most lovable way, always teasing and joking. You always knew when he was in the room.
Kenneth was a kind and generous soul. He was a member of Brushy Community Church, and in 2008, he accepted the Lord into his life and was baptized. He and Judy later attended Russell Baptist Church as well as Grace Baptist Church in Chariton, where they continued to grow in faith and community.
Kenneth leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and faith. He will be remembered for his kindness, his humor, and the deep love for his family. Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Judy Mumford; children: Larry Todd Mumford, Mari Kenna Mumford-Sloan, Douglas Brian (Karla) Noah, Angela Jo Noah, and Jeffrey Donald Noah; siblings: Donna Mae Eide, Karen Viers, Cindy (Gary) Main, and Gary Dean Mumford; fifteen grandchildren, twenty-four great grandchildren, and many loving extended family members.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and his brothers in-law, Kermit Viers and Joe Eide.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Kenneth's family to be used for causes to further enrich the lives of others in the community.
"The memories we shared are like the stars of the night sky, guiding me through the journey of grief."