Kenneth Herman Norsworthy

April 12, 1930 - August 08, 2021

Obituary For Kenneth Herman Norsworthy

Kenneth Herman Norsworthy passed away on August 8, 2021. Ken was born in Topeka, Kansas on April 12, 1930, at the height of the Great Depression and grew up in a Christian home accepting Christ when he was eighteen. Ken was one of five children, four boys and one girl. He is survived by two of them, Ruth Tipton and Phillip Norsworthy, both of Topeka, Kansas. He is also survived by his wife, Ruth, of seventy-one years of marriage, two sons and their wives, Kirk and Melody Norsworthy of Austin, Texas and Kevin and Karla Norsworthy of Raleigh, NC. He has three grandchildren, Stacey Simins, Scott Norsworthy and Kyle Norsworthy and one great grandchild, Hayden Simins. Ken served a four year apprenticeship with the Santa Fe railroad out of High School and four years in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War. He later attended and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from Kansas State University and a Master of Engineering degree from Oklahoma State University.

Most of Ken’s professional career was with Exxon/Mobil with a series of domestic assignments in the US and three overseas assignments, two years in England, two years in the Netherlands and three and one half years in Saudi Arabia. After retiring in 1985, Ken and Ruth joined The Gideons International where they served in many capacities including a number of years in jail ministry. Ken’s hobbies included wood carving and authoring several books across a wide range of topics both fiction and non-fiction. Ken was beloved by those who knew him as he was always supportive of family and friends with encouraging words, a joke, a smile and a prayer. In lieu of flowers the family requests that you make a contribution to The Gideons International.

The family is having a private memorial service.

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Condolences

August 13, 2021

Beth Unger

Dear Kirk and Kevin, So sorry to hear of the loss of your father. Thinking of your Mom and all of the family as adjust to this loss. Love and hugs to all, Beth Unger
August 12, 2021

Rick Hoffman

To Ruth, Kirk, Kevin and the whole Norsworthy family, please accept my condolences for your loss. I had the opportunity to meet Ken on a number of occasions and thoroughly enjoyed them. I know he will be missed. RIP Ken.
August 12, 2021

Jontae

My sincere condolences to the family. Mr.Ken will truly be missed. I took care of him while he was at atria and I'll never forget the endless laughs and conversations we would have about church, sports, how he met his wife, his kids, his growing up and life in general. Mr.Ken was a great man.
August 11, 2021

Clay and Pati Cruce

We have known Ken and Ruth for 30 years and were privileged to experience seeing Ken's enjoyment of friends, his extreme generosity, and his rock solid faith in Jesus Christ. His heart was as big as his humor, and his willingness to help others was as grand as he was gracious. I love his best friend and dear wife, Ruth. And we are praying for Ruth and for all his loved ones. Sincerely, Clay and Pati Cruce
August 11, 2021

Brad Konopik

I knew Ken as Kirk's dad. He was always calm amid the ever present chaos as our your families grew up. He .. had a true "dad" sense-of-humor, and was a genuine nice guy that I enjoyed being around. I missed him when he moved out of our neighborhood. My condolences.
August 11, 2021

Patty and Larry Thurlow

I will always remember Uncle Kenny for his kind heart and kind of corny sense of humor. I loved his jokes and witty songs. He was so special. I am sure he has the angels laughing. You have earned your spot in heaven. Tell Mom hi. Love you❤️❤️ Patty and Larry Thurlow
August 10, 2021

Betty Noltensmeyer

Loved his calm demeanor. He will be missed. Thinking of you, Ruth, and the family. Betty Noltensmeyer
August 10, 2021

Lance Wallace

I was so sorry to hear of Uncle Kenny's passing. He was a wonderful man, loving, encouraging, and kind. He will be missed here but I am looking forward to seeing him again when we are all reunited in heaven.