Kenton Lee Farwell

Kenton Lee Farwell, 17, of rural Sabetha, Kansas, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, November 14, 2025.

Kenton was born to Rodney Lee and Leighanne Nicole (Lay) Farwell on April 14, 2008, in Sabetha. He was the best big brother to one sister and two brothers who looked up to him dearly. He was a senior at Sabetha High School, set to graduate in May.

Kenton packed a full life into 17 years. He lived for the outdoors—ATV trips, hunting, fishing, and days on the lake with friends. He loved sharing those experiences and often brought others along to teach them. Just a week before he passed, he talked his dad into going deer hunting for the first time – time with him his dad will cherish forever. Kenton never wasted a moment inside. If he could be outdoors, that’s where he was—a country boy through and through. He had so many loyal close buddies, whom he absolutely loved to be with. They were always up to some sort of shenanigans.

Kenton did not know a stranger. He went from being the most shy little boy who hung on to his Momma to a man that could have serious and thought provoking conversations. He was born a true leader. Everybody loved his witty sense of humor.

He treasured the many “Guys Only” ATV trips with his dad, brothers, grandpa, uncles, and cousins to Colorado – he loved every second of it. He also loved to go to Arkansas with his Dad to ride with the KC ATV crew, who called him “K-Train”. They all loved having him along, and they now always look out for the “K-Train Mud Holes” – named by the group because he always fearlessly plowed in without a care of getting stuck.

He was his Dad’s right hand man. From the time he was little you could find him by his dad’s side helping him whether he wanted to be there or not. They worked on countless projects together, including building their dream shop. He loved his family deeply. Even though his younger brothers pestered him regularly, he would still take the time to hold, hug, and wrestle them. Oftentimes, you would find Evan cuddled up with him on the couch. He led Dean hunting, and helped him get his first turkey and deer. His brothers loved it when he would let them drive his four wheeler and go cart. He and Addy shared a special bond, constantly picking on each other in a fun way. They would often team up against their parents to try and get what they wanted.

Kenton and his mother shared an especially close bond. In looks and personality, they often joked he was the male version of her. He never outgrew showing affection; even as a Senior, he regularly hugged her and told her he loved her—she often made him say it in front of his friends, and he never refused. He checked in on her every day at work, stopping by her desk when he arrived after school to see how she was doing and what snacks she had. He was her steady presence, and his dad always knew Kenton would have stepped up without hesitation if ever needed.

He loved high school and having more freedom. He was accepted into the Kansas State College of Engineering and planned to attend there in August for Mechanical Engineering. Since the age of 14, he worked at KSi with his mother and father and loved his job. He started in production and the past two years he spent working with his dad and other coworkers in the engineering department. The family at KSi helped mold him into the man he was. He worked hard, and earned what he owned. He loved his truck, the ‘05 Cateye, as well as his four wheeler.

Kenton loved Ag Class, FFA, the Trap Team, and 4-H (besides record books). He developed life long skills in those programs. He could weld better than most adults, although, his Dad joked that they would never look as good as his– but they did. He won many awards in those programs.

He cherished time spent with family and cousins. He loved his grandparents dearly and often took time out of his day to stop and see them, or give them a call to check in. Oftentimes at family gatherings, a game of pitch would ensue between him and his cousin, Blake vs his dad and Uncle Nolan. You can only imagine the amount of smack talk that went back and forth. His little cousins, Acre and Adler, were attached to his hip.

Kenton is preceded in death by a sibling who was accepted into heaven before birth. He is survived by his parents, Rodney and Leighanne; sister, Addyson; brothers, Dean and Evan; grandparents, Troy and Sheri (Stahl) Lay, and grandparents, Terry and Nanette (Meyer) Farwell; as well as many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

We find deep peace knowing his faith is in God and he is with Jesus today. Our home is not here on earth. With Christ in our hearts, we know we will be with Kenton in Heaven again. He just got there first. Kenton, we miss you and love you so much. Take care of your little sibling up there and we cannot wait to all be together with you again.

Services for Kenton Farwell:

Kenton will lie in state on Friday, November 21, 2025, from 8:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. at the Popkess Mortuary in Sabetha. At 1:00 p.m., Kenton will be moved to the NorthRidge Church in Sabetha and will lie in state at the church from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

A visitation with the family will be held on Friday, November 21, 2025, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the NorthRidge Church in Sabetha. A dedicated room will be available at the church during the visitation for students to gather, offer support, and pray.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, November 22, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at the NorthRidge Church. Immediately following the funeral service, a “Graduation Party” and meal will be held at the church for everyone to attend. Not long ago, Kenton told his friends, “When I die, don’t get all fancied up”. We plan to honor that request with a casual dress code of jeans.

A private interment will be held in the Albany Cemetery, north of Sabetha, following the service.

The family has established the Kenton Farwell Memorial Scholarship Fund. Instead of flowers, the family respectfully requests that donations be made to this scholarship fund so Kenton’s legacy can continue to support those in need. Memorial contributions to the scholarship fund can be sent in care of Popkess Mortuary, 823 Virginia Street, Sabetha, Kansas 66534.