Kenneth William Ervin

Kenneth William Ervin, known as Ken or Kenny to those close to him, was born on May 1, 1945, and raised in Cape Girardeau, Missouri. He was the eldest son of Clarence William and Cecil Faye Ervin, later joined by his younger brother, Gary Lee. Growing up on a farm and attending a small schoolhouse with an outhouse and only 2 teachers. Ken learned early that hard work, perseverance, and determination would shape the adventurous life he sought. His love for the outdoors was sparked by farm life, horseback riding, and scouting, where he earned numerous honors, including recognition in the Order of the Arrow for his Eagle Scout accomplishments. An accomplished athlete in school, he excelled in track & field, and cross country which prepared him for a long life of outdoor fitness. Living in Norway he discovered orienteering—a passion widely popular in that country—where he thrived on the challenge of quickly navigating difficult terrain with precision and skill. Norway also gave him the "lift" to develop expert ski skills that took him to the breath-taking and challenging slopes across the world. His sharp mind combined with hard work and sacrifice earned him a scholarship to the University of Missouri at Rolla, making him the first in his family to attend college and graduated with high honors with a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering. Ken's engineering career began in Bartlesville, Oklahoma, where fate placed him one seat away from Shari Lynne Cody at church. She soon became his wife and the love of his life. Together, they built a family. Their first daughter, Amy, was born in Long Beach, California—quiet, book-loving, and academically gifted like her father. Years later, while living in Norway, their second daughter, Michelle, was born—an adventurous spirit with his love for the outdoors, animals, and photography. Both daughters inherited his best qualities (and a few quirks). Ken's career at Phillips Petroleum took him across the globe, from Oklahoma to California, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, and, most notably, Norway, which captured his heart. Living overseas allowed him to explore a world that must have felt unimaginable to a small-town boy who didn’t have indoor plumbing until high school. He traveled extensively, taking countless photos that reflected his love for nature and the beauty of the world around him. His travels included countless family trips through Scandanavia and Europe, exposing his children to a wondrous world and filling them with memories they cherish to this day. After retiring from Phillips, Ken continued working as a contract engineer for oil companies that took him to Alaska, South Korea, Singapore, Shanghai, Qatar, and beyond. Eventually, he settled in Texas to be near his daughters and beloved grandchildren: Aubrey, Jace, and Mason. He cherished watching them graduate and set out for their own adventures. In his final year, he returned to the Appalachian foothills, drawn back to the mountains and seasons he loved. Dad, thank you for the lessons, the adventures, and the incredible memories. We will carry your spirit with us always, and will love and miss you forever. Visitation will held from 10:00 am to 11:00 am on Saturday, January 25th, 2025 at Ford & Sons Mt. Auburn Chapel in Cape Girardeau Missouri. Funeral service will follow at 11:00 am on Saturday at the funeral home with the Rev. Donny Ford officiating. Burial will be at Cape County Memorial Cemetery in Cape Girardeau Missouri. Online condolences may be made at www.fordandsonsfuneralhome.com. Ford & Sons Funeral Home - Mt. Auburn is in charge of arrangements.

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Kenneth William Ervin

May 1, 1945 - January 12, 2025