Kenneth L. Ferrell, 92, formerly of Meriden, passed away Tuesday, March 9, 2021 in Emporia.

He was born, February 1, 1929, in Valley Falls, the son of John V. and Ethel R. (Bedwell) Ferrell.  He graduated from Valley Falls High School in 1946. Shortly after graduating he enlisted with the United States Navy and proudly served his country during the Korean Conflict. After his discharge, Ken worked at Forbes Air Force Base in Topeka until 1954. He then went to work for Northrop Aircraft at Patrick Air Force Base near Cocoa Beach, Florida, working at Cape Canaveral Missile Test Facility for several years and retired from Northrop Grumman on January 1, 1995; after 40 years. Ken had spent quite a few years photographing the ancient Bristlecone Pines at 10-11,000 feet above sea level and during that period had climbed over 400 mountains.  He was a member of the Photographic Society of America.  

He is survived by: his son, Jeffrey L. Ferrell (Viki) of Oxford, FL; his daughters, Julie A. Ferrell-Thompson (Nathan) of Anchorage, AK and Jena Johnson (Doug Disney) of Americus, KS; his 7 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren.  

Ken was preceded in death by his sisters Joyce Knox and Doris Paul and his brothers, Vernon and Marvin Ferrell.

Graveside Service, with Military Honors provided by Graham Herbers Post 3084 and United States Naval Honor Guard, will be 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, March 17, 2021 at Valley Falls Cemetery.  He will lie in state at Mercer Funeral Home in Valley Falls beginning Monday and Tuesday from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.  Memorials are suggested to Valley Falls Historical Society c/o Mercer Funeral Home, P.O. Box 6, Valley Falls 66088.  To leave a special message for the family, visit www.mercerfuneralhomes.com