Kenneth Eugene Reger

Kenneth Eugene Reger obituary, Milan, MO

Kenneth Eugene Reger

Kenneth Reger Obituary

Obituary published on Legacy.com by Ruschmeier-Smith Funeral Homes - Milan on Apr. 24, 2025.

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Kenneth Eugene Reger, Milan, MO, age 86, passed away on April 23rd, 2025. Born on August 30, 1938, near Browning, MO. Ken was the oldest child of Bill and Opal (Hollon) Reger.
Ken was married to Carol (Moore) Reger on December 27, 1968, who preceded him in death September of 2023. He was also preceded in death by his parents, an infant son, and a nephew.
Ken is survived by two sons Mark Reger (Annette) and Thomas Reger. Ken is also survived by seven grandchildren: Jennifer, Jessica, Jacob, Kimberley, Hannah, Travis, and Kendall. In addition, he is survived by eight great grandchildren and two great, great grandchildren. Ken is also survived by two brothers, William "Buck" (Phyllis) Reger, Thomas (Judy) Reger, and one sister, Kay Reger, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
Ken graduated high school at Linn County R-1 in 1957. In 1958, he enlisted in the United States Army where he was a sharpshooter and specialized in intelligence operations. He was honorably discharged as an SP4. Following his military service, Ken attended Trenton Jr. College. He continued his education at Northwest Missouri State College where he received his bachelor's and master's degrees. After teaching in public education, he went on to pursue a doctoral degree at the University of Kansas.
In addition to teaching, Ken enjoyed working on and making improvements to his large ranch, north of Milan, MO. He loved working in his garden and tending his grape vines. He enjoyed telling stories and sharing memories. In fact, Ken went on to write and publish a novel, The Girl on the Bridge. Ken was also an avid reader and considered himself a lifelong learner.
Services for Ken will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making donations to the Hoover Cemetery in Browning, MO.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

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May 3, 2025

Harrison Hartley posted to the memorial.

April 29, 2025

Hava Wall posted to the memorial.

April 25, 2025

Gerry Fuchs posted to the memorial.

3 Entries

Harrison Hartley

May 3, 2025

Ken was a first-rate historian and an accomplished conversationalist - with him, there was never a dull moment. He wrote excellent essays with clarity and focus on philosophy, politics, and history and had branched into fiction with his novel, The Girl on the Bridge, showing both creativity and breadth. He was universally regarded by his students as a memorable and remarkably effective teacher with a deep commitment to patriotism and a passion for learning, and my deepest sympathies go to his family and friends. - Harrison Hartley

Hava Wall

April 29, 2025

Ken was an excellent teacher and, later, a friend of mine. I was fortunate to be one of his students at Savannah High School during his first year of teaching. I will miss his wisdom and humor-my condolences to the family. Hava Wall, SHS 1975 graduate.

Gerry Fuchs

April 25, 2025

To Ken's family, he was a great teacher and faculty member while in Savannah. He will be missed by many, our condolences to the family.
Gerry and Jackie Fuchs

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Ruschmeier-Smith Funeral Homes - Milan

120 W. 4th Street, Milan, MO 00006-3556

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Sign Kenneth Reger's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

May 3, 2025

Harrison Hartley posted to the memorial.

April 29, 2025

Hava Wall posted to the memorial.

April 25, 2025

Gerry Fuchs posted to the memorial.