Kenneth Lee Farrell

Kenneth Lee Farrell, 94, passed away on March 19, 2026, at the Sylvia G. Thompson Residence Center in Sedalia, MO. Ken was born in Triplett, MO on September 13, 1931, to Hubert and Daisy (Wohlgemuth) Farrell. He was the middle of three children born to this union.

He was united in marriage to Thelma Delores Galatis on May 26, 1955. In May 2025, they celebrated 70 years of marriage.

Ken attended schools in the Northeast area of Kansas City, including Northeast High School. Ken suffered severe burns as the result of an accident when he was 14 years old. Though he was not expected to live and would certainly never walk again if he did, his determination and strength of character proved the doctors wrong as 13 months and 33 operations later, he walked out of the hospital.

He was a talented machinist and problem solver. He worked in the aerospace industry in Southern California for several years before opening his own shop in 1966. He was proud of his role in helping design the first raised bridge. He had a contract with Mattel to pour colored urethane roller skate and skateboard wheels, which enabled his shop to have 3 shifts and run 24 hours a day. He later focused his work on making gun parts, including his own design of scope rings and scope mounts. He grew, changed, and refocused, as a result of the advances in technology and added CNC machinery to the shop. He developed many products through the years, served as a CNC instructor at the local community college, called square dances and enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, gardening, and attending his daughter and then his granddaughters' events and activities. He even learned to speak basic Italian in order to speak with his wife's Italian relatives.

In addition to his parents, Ken was preceded in death by his brother, Jack Farrell; sister-in-law, Marilyn Farrell; and brother-in-law, Jim Nail, as well as numerous aunts and uncles.

Ken is survived by his wife, Thelma of 70 years; his daughter, Tamara Kimball (Roger); granddaughters, Brianna Doyal (Terry), Valerie Foland (Novy), and Natalie Kimball; great-grandchildren, Trenton and Ryleigh Livermore, Emery and Lydia Foland, and Roman Davis; his sister, Dixie Nail, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held from 9:30 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. on Friday, March 27, 2026, followed by the Funeral Service at 10:30 a.m. at Rea Funeral Chapel with Pastor Aaron Roberts officiating. Burial will be at Mount Washington Cemetery, Independence, MO.

Pallbearers will be Roger Kimball, Valerie Foland, Novy Foland, Trenton Livermore, Shane Davis, and Buddy Dill.

Honorary bearers will be Brianna Doyal and Natalie Kimball.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association or to an organization of the donor's choice.