Ken W. Brock, 77, Pittsburg businessman and entrepreneur, passed away peacefully at his home on Sunday, December 31, 2023 with family by his side.
Ken was born February 4, 1946, to George and Florence (Chaplin) Brock. He was raised in Hiattville, Kansas, southwest of Fort Scott. He attended schools in Hiattville and Fort Scott and graduated from Fort Scott High School in 1964.
Ken proudly served his country in the Kansas Army National Guard.
In 1974, Ken founded Names and Numbers by purchasing 5 local telephone directories. Over the last 50 years he and his wife, Debbie, grew the company which now serves 130 markets in 18 states and 2 territories in Canada.
In addition to his passion for entrepreneurship, anyone who knew Ken knew his love for aviation. Ken was recognized by the Federal Aviation Administration as a Wright Brothers Master Pilot for having flown more than 5000 hours in his 50 plus years of flying.
Ken loved Pittsburg, Fort Scott and all of Southeast Kansas which was evident in his service and leadership to these communities. He received the Spirit of Pittsburg award in 2011 and the Rex Crowley Outstanding Partners in Progress Award (PSU) in 2016. Ken started the local Gorilla Toastmasters in Pittsburg. He served on numerous boards and advisory committees including the Kelce School of Business, University Bank, Kansas Airport Advisory Committee, Pinnacle Care and Via-Christi Advisory Board. He also spent many years on the Association of Directory Publishers Board and was a nation-wide leader in the industry. Ken was also a member of the Christ’s Church of Oronogo.
Ken may best be known for his service as Chairman of the Highway 69 Association. The Association’s goal is the expansion of Highway 69 to a four-lane highway from Kansas City to I-44. Working alongside Dr. Jim AuBuchon and numerous other Southeast Kansas leaders, Ken organized and advocated for the highway by making numerous trips to Topeka and Washington D.C.
Ken married Debbie Schilling on April 30, 1983. She survives of the home. In addition to his wife, he is survived by his son Bob and daughter-in-law, Lori, of Topeka; his son Ron and daughter-in-law, Robin, of Pittsburg; and four grandchildren: Lucas Brock of Chicago, Caroline Brock of Overland Park, Evan Mason and Liam Mason of Pittsburg; and two brothers, Paul Brock of Ozark, Missouri and George Brock of Sandy, Oregon.
He is preceded in death by his parents and his in-laws, Delbert and Gloria Schilling.
A Celebration of Life service will be held at 10:00 am on Saturday, January 6, 2024 at the Bicknell Family Center for the Arts at Pittsburg State University with David Duncan officiating. Burial will follow at the Pittsburg Garden of Memories Cemetery. Friends may call from 11:00 am – 6:00 pm, Friday, January 5th at the Bedene Funeral Home in Arma, Kansas. The family suggest memorials to Christ in Youth, a Christian outreach based in Joplin, Missouri. Memorials can be left at Bedene Funeral Home 517 E. Washington, PO Box 621, Arma, KS 66712, or mailed to CIY, 2201 N. Main, Joplin, MO 64801 or by visiting their website, www.ciy.com.
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Larry Boyd says
January 3, 2024 at 5:31 pmOn my behalf and repsect for Ken, Debbie and family members, please accept my deepest sympathies. I wanted to let you know that thoughts and prayers are with you and family. I wish you and your family the courage and peace during this time of mourning. My heart and prayers goes out to you all during this time of sorrow.
Debby Johnson says
January 3, 2024 at 6:49 pmWe were so very sorry to hear of Ken’s passing. May the Peace that Passes All Understanding be with his Family! In His Love, Hoyt and Debby Johnson and Family
Tina Schilling says
January 5, 2024 at 5:25 pmSo sorry for your loss. Lifting you in prayer and peace during this difficult time. Dale Schilling and Family
Brian Bassford says
January 5, 2024 at 7:10 pmPlease accept our most heartfelt condolences to the Brock Family on the loss of Ken. He was a great, compassionate man and will be sorely missed by all..
Keith Axe says
January 9, 2024 at 11:39 pmI am so very sorry to have read that Ken passed away. Both Senator Marshall and Senator Moran gave tribute to Ken and his wonderful life in their latest newsletters.
I was so very blessed to have provided the AV and Automation system for Ken and Debbie and they both were the most gracious clients I had in my 36 years of doing business. They both showed the grace of their Lord and Savior Jesus Christ through how they treated everyone they met. Many prayers for the family in this difficult time.
Rich Forster says
January 14, 2024 at 5:59 pmMay I extend our sincere condolences from the Forster Family. Our friendships go back to 1986 when we met Ken and Debbie at Western Sizzlin to interview for a job at Names and Numbers. Although it took until 1996 when we became members of the Names and Numbers Family, it was a very special 25 years that we cherish in our memories forever.
We wish Debbie and family the Peace that surpasses understanding as they journey through this most difficult time that comes only from a loving and faithful God. May your thoughts always be filled with the good times that Ken always made better.
Love and Blessings,
Rich, Vana and Forster Family
LincolnLaverack says
April 17, 2024 at 11:09 pmRest easy Mr brock