Charles Kenley (Ken) Mays of Fayetteville passed away June 17, 2018 while visiting family in California.
He was born June 12, 1935 in Lodi, California to Otho Charles (OC) and Gladys Miller Mays.
He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Nancy Cole Mays of Fayetteville; daughters Susan Mays (Andrew Ducey) and Sarah Mays Derrick (Christopher); grandsons Alexander Peyton, Nicholas James and Thomas Kenley Derrick; sister Karen Mays Morrison; brother Galen Mays (Ellisa); brother-in-law James A. Cole (Connie); niece Jessica Mays Davis (Tom); and nephew Adam Cole (Aurelou).
Ken grew up in California’s San Joaquin Valley. He was prominent in Tulare County 4H, earning countless ribbons and trophies for his dairy cattle, serving as a delegate to the National 4H Club Congress and representing California at the National 4H Camp (now National 4H Conference).
He graduated from Porterville High School in 1952 and attended Porterville College and Fresno State University, where he was an avid distance runner. He graduated from the University of California at Davis with a B.S. in Agricultural Economics and later from Kansas State University with an M.S. in Agricultural Economics. Following his time at Davis, he served as a chaplain’s assistant in the U.S. Army.
Throughout the 1960s, Ken worked for University of California Agricultural Extension, serving as a 4H farm advisor in Riverside County. He began a nearly 25-year career with the County of Orange in 1970, working in the County Administrative Office and the Health Department before ultimately retiring as Chief of Personnel Operations. During this time, he also served as president of the Children’s Home Society of Orange County.
After moving to Fayetteville in 1998, Ken became active at First United Presbyterian Church. He was an ordained deacon and elder as well as a Stephen Minister and Leader in the Presbyterian Church (USA). He led a men’s prayer breakfast group and served on the Butterfield Trail Village resident council.
A celebration of life will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, July 21, 2018 in Fellowship Hall at First United Presbyterian Church in Fayetteville. Ashes will be buried in a private family graveside service at Goshen Cemetery later that afternoon.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be made in his name to First United Presbyterian Church, 695 E. Calvin St., Fayetteville 72703, for its local ministry to feed those in need, or to the Goshen Cemetery Association, P.O. Box 131, Goshen 72735.
So sorry to learn this. I have such fond memories of visiting with him at the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame when Carl Mays was inducted. Also in Mansfield when we opened our display of Carl at the Historical Society. Sending our condolences.
Thank you so much, Ann. He enjoyed both of those events so much.
Thank you, Ann. He enjoyed both of those events very much.
I am very sorry for your loss and would to express my sympathy to the family. God promises us at Revelation 21:4 that soon, “death will be no more.” God hates death and views it as enemy, which is why he yearns to bring back those who are in his memory (Job 14:14, 15). Knowing how God feels about the matter truly warms our hearts, because he not only understands our grief, but the promise of a resurrection means an end to it! May these future blessings comfort and uplift you all during this difficult time.
Nancy and family, I am so very sorry for your loss of Ken. Prayers and love always, Linda Parchman.
Nancy and Family,
We are thinking of you. We have so many wonderful memories of Ken. He made FUPC such a special place. We are better for having known him. You are in our prayers as you celebrate his special life. Wish we could be there.
Nancy and family,
I was surprised and sorry to read of Ken’s passing. It doesn’t seem like long ago when I saw him at Senior Democrats. His early background was much like mine with involvement in 4-H and winning honors there, then working with the Extension Service. He was a good and helpful man and many people will miss him.
I loved and admired Ken so much during some troubled times at TPC where I worked in the office and he was on the personnel
committee. He was a dedicated christian, and a good friend . He will be remembered as being a blessing to us all at Tustin Pres.
Lovingly, Grace Schuth
So sorry for your loss. I know he will be missed by many. I so enjoyed hearing his story’s when he came for a haircut. My heart goes out to you.
Dear Nancy and family,
Our mutual friend Glen Wilson was at our home last week, and informed us of Ken’s passing. We are so saddened for your loss, and hold you in our prayers, with deepest condolences. Know that He will bring peace, as He and time heal you. God bless you all.
Gary and Susan
Nancy, I was so sorry to learn of your husband’s passing. It was nice seeing you and the other sisters in Fayetteville this past fall at the reunion. I’m so happy you are home in the Fayetteville area and surrounded by loving family and friends. My deepest sympathy to you and your family. You are in my prayers.