Kenneth Weatherby

Kenneth Weatherby, born July 24th 1929 and departed to his heavenly home on February 1 ^st 2023 surrounded by his family in the home where he was born.  He was the third child of Emmett and Mattie Bates Weatherby and spent his life farming the ground homesteaded by his great grandfather, Asa Bates in 1850.

He attended Fancy Prairie Grade School, graduated as Valedictorian-Special E from Elkhart high school in 1947, then began farming with his father. He attended Fancy Prairie Presbyterian Church, then Elkhart Christian Church, and in later years attended Athens Christian Church.

He milked cows for 23 years after coming home from the army in 1953. He served from 1951 through 1953 with the Third Infantry Division in Korea where he attained the rank of Sergeant.

He married Erna Wade at Fisher Christian Church on February 25, 1961.

Kenneth loved working with livestock, and his greatest thrill was working with his children and grandchildren on their cattle and horse 4-H projects. He and Erna were leaders of the Fancy Prairie 4-H club for some time. Kenneth loved farming with his family and demonstrated how to be a true steward of God’s creation.  Kenneth loved to attend the family’s sporting events, band concerts, etc. He and Erna were consistently involved with their children and grandchildren’s lives and he was always there to support them.

He served on the Fancy Prairie Co-op elevator board, and later with the Culver-Fancy Prairie Co-op board. He served on the Athens School Board of Education and the Menard County Extension Council for several years, as well as the Walnut Ridge Cemetery board. Kenneth enjoyed wildlife and the outdoors, participating in the community, writing and telling stories and jokes. His family was the most important part of his life and showed them how to live as a faithful Christian servant.

His brother, Kermit, and sister, Florence, preceded him in death.  His sister, Frances Constant, survives. Kenneth is survived by his wife of nearly 62 years, Erna; son, Kent Weatherby and his wife Dana; daughter, Nancy Thomas and her husband Kevin; daughter, Beth Horner and husband Dennis; grandchildren, Cole, Luke, Adam, Jacob, Betty and her husband Dan, Mark and his wife MiKayla, Megan, and Elaine; great-granddaughter, Clare; and many loving nieces and nephews.

Visitation for Kenneth will be held on Sunday, February 5, 2023 from 1:00 PM until time of funeral services at 2:00 PM at the Athens Christian Church with Rev. Shane Baker officiating.

Burial will be held immediately after the service at Walnut Ridge Cemetery.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Athens Christian Church, Fancy Prairie Volunteer Fire Department, or the Menard County Fair.

Mott & Henning Funeral Home is assisting the family. On-line condolences can be shared at www.mottandhenning.com.