Kenneth Allen Nolker, 69, of Richmond died Friday, Jan. 22, 2021, at his home, surrounded by his loving family and friends.

Kenneth was born on Nov. 20, 1951, in Excelsior Springs, the son of Walter Kenneth “Red” and Mary Ann (Basham) Nolker. He was united in marriage to Sandra Jane Bice of Richmond on July 26, 1997. She survives of the home.

Additional survivors include: his children, Derrick (Holly) Nolker of Kansas City, Tiffany (Chad) Schaffer of Lawson, Scott Gibson (Candida White) of Hardin; Stacy (Blaine) Nolker of Hardin and Kerri (Joseph) Keeler of Richmond; one brother, Gordon (Nancy) Nolker of Lawson; 11 grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; grandson,

Jayce Keeler; and granddaughter, Gracie Gibson. Kenneth was reared and educated in Knoxville and Lawson and attended the University of Missouri, where he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in agricultural science. Kenneth was a lifetime cattle and row crop farmer, but also dedicated his time to many organizations.

In 1990, Kenneth began his service as the Ray County public administrator, serving for 26 years, retiring in 2016. That same year, he was named the Public Administrator of the Year for the state of Missouri. Kenneth served on many boards, including: Ideal Industries board from 2001 to 2021, president from 2008 to 2021; Ray County Transportation (Direct Transit) board in 1996, vice president 2001-2015 and president 2016-2021; Ray County Ambulance board, Ray Clay FSA board, Old Union Cemetery board 2004-2021; and lifelong member of Old Union Church, where he served as an elder and on the board. Kenneth was a member of the Richmond Lodge No. 57 A.F. & A.M. and Lawson Beehive Lodge No. 393 A.F. & A.M. He enjoyed taking cruises; collecting toy tractors, animals and pets; spending time with his grandchildren; attending social events (never missed an ice cream social); and he loved the Lord. Kenneth will be dearly missed by the communities he served, his friends and family.

The family suggests memorial contributions be made to either the Old Union Church or Old Union Cemetery. They can be left at or mailed to Thurman Funeral Home; 507 E. Main Street-P.O. Box 190; Richmond, MO 64085.

Graveside services were held at 3 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 27, 2021, at Old Union Cemetery east of Lawson. Visitation with Masonic services were held before the graveside services at Old Union Church, with visitation beginning at 1 and the Masonic service at 2:30. Masks were required to attend all services. Thurman Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Please share your memories of Kenneth with the family by visiting www.thurmanfuneralhome.com.