Kenneth Kisner (70) of Wichita Falls, TX passed away on July 4, 2025, at Wichita Falls Hospice, with his wife Connie by his side. Kenneth was born Kenneth Dean Kisner to Isaidore P. Kisner and Mathilda M. Werth Kisner in Hays, Kansas on December 8, 1954. He was the first of four children, which included two brothers, Keith and Kurt, and one sister, Kelley. They were raised on the family farm and ranch just south of Hays.
As a youth, Ken was well trained in crop and cattle/livestock production. He also learned the skill of hand milking a small heard of dairy cows on a daily basis. Therefore, he maintained a strong work ethic in his life’s work and career pursuits.
Ken attended Catholic grade school and graduated from Hays High School. He was a Saxophone player in band. He attended Fort Hays State University and graduated with a degree in Business in 1980. Ken would often laugh and tease that he had kneeled enough in church as a youth, that the Lord would surely forgive a small indiscretion as an adult. His home church was St. Joseph Catholic Church in Hays.
Ken met Connie S. Oelkers Flamik in the fall of 1977. She was a young, widowed mother of an active three-year-old toddler, Tyler. The three of them formed a lasting bond almost immediately. They spent their first Christmas together that year while meeting their families. They were married 2½ years later on June 1, 1979. In addition, through love and commitment, Ken took on the additional responsibility of adopting Tyler as his own. Then ten months later another son, Trevor, was born to complete the family of four.
Ken had a thirty-year career working for several Farm Credit Associations. He was first hired by the 9th Farm Credit District Office in Wichita, Kansas and was trained in their application and loan work process through Production Credit Association. As is often said, “You can take the boy out of the farm, but not the farm out of the boy!” Ken held positions at various points in time as a Loan Officer, Appraiser, Inspector, Manager, Regional Appraiser, and Vice President. During his career, they moved through three states including Kansas, Oklahoma, and Texas, eventually settling in Wichita Falls for thirty-eight years. He retired from Capital Farm Credit in 2010.
After retirement, Ken started his own business known as Texoma Ag Valuations where he did agriculture and industrial related chattel appraisals and inspections. He established customers in numerous states, through lending institutions, banks, and individuals. He was highly regarded as someone who was ethical, professional, honest, trustworthy, reliable, and enjoyable to work with.
Ken was a member of the American Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers, the International Society of Livestock Appraisers, and the American Society of Farm Equipment Appraisers. He had completed training in Constructive Agriculture Lending through Farm Credit Services and was certified through Auction Insight Certified Appraisers. Ken was also employed with the SAM division of the Federal Government as an Independent Contractor, doing appraisal and inspection work for several USDA offices.
Ken was an athletic individual and loved being outside. He enjoyed playing basketball, tennis, and golf. As time and responsibilities became more prominent in his life he took up walking two miles a day. During his time in college, he worked for a garden center and learned the art of landscaping. He carried that knowledge throughout his life.
Ken was a member of Our Lady Queen of Peace Church. He held onto his strong belief in Christ from his earliest teachings. In addition, Ken was a beloved husband, father, and friend. He will be greatly missed, and we look forward to reuniting with him in Heaven. Until then, we know that he will forever be around us and in our hearts.
Ken is survived by his wife, Connie; two sons, Trevor Kisner and Tyler Kisner and wife Liberty, and their family: Lawson Kisner, Geordy Deatherage and wife Madison, and Logan Deatherage.
Brother, Keith Kisner and his family: Nephew, Brock Kisner (Karen) and their children: Kasen, Madisen, and Hudsen. Neice, Samatha Steele (Laken) and their children: Remi, Pake, and Tate. Nephew, Max Kisner (Tasha) and their children: Rawlin, Laken, and twins on the way.
Sister, Kelley Kisner Ferguson and her family: Nephew, Markeith Ferguson and his family. Niece, Taylor Ferguson and her family.
Mother-in-law, Bernadette Legleiter Oelkers.
Brother-in-law, Lee Oelkers (Debbie) and their family: Niece, Carolyn L. Payne, J.D., ESQ, (Scott) MAJ (Ret), their children: Katherine (Katie), Anna Marie, and Stella. Niece, Michelle L. Quigley (Dylan), their children: Aubrey and Kobie.
Sister-in-law, Vicki Oelkers Herrman, (Dr. Leo Herrman) and their family: Nephew, Colonel John Herrman (Angela), their children: Jacob, Hunter, Madelyn, and Allison. Nephew, Bernard Herrman (Marita) their son, Conrad. Nephew, Sgt 1st Class Leonard Herrman (Ret.) and his children: Emily, Britton, and Kaden.
Ken was preceded in death by his parents, Isaidore and Mathilda (Tillie) M. Werth Kisner. Brother, Kurt Kisner. Grandparents, Alois J. and Elizabeth McIntosh Werth. Grandparents, Alexander (Alex) Kisner and Pauline Schwalie Kisner, and 2nd grandmother through marriage, Anna Catherine Kreutzer Schoendaller.
Father-in-law, Lawrence F. Oelkers, and sister-in-law, Marlis (Keith) Kisner.
Plus, an extended family of uncles, aunts, cousins, and more.
Celebration of Life will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, July 10, 2025 at Owens and Brumley Funeral Home in Wichita Falls, Texas.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.owensandbrumley.com