Kenneth L. Beougher

September 2, 2026

Kenneth L. Beougher was born on June 11, 1934 on the family farm in Gove County. He passed away on August 24, 2026 at Wheat Haven in McDonald. Ken was raised on the family farm alongside his three brothers and two sisters. He attended several rural schools in Gove County before graduating from Grinnell High School in 1952. He continued his education at Fort Hays Kansas State College, where he played football and earned a degree in education.

On June 3, 1956, Ken married Barbara Alice Jones at the First Methodist Church in Bird City. Together they built a life centered on faith, family, service, and farming. They lived in Lebanon, Kansas, for two years and Tribune for nine years before moving in 1968 to the farm northeast of Bird City that had been Barbara’s childhood home. Ken and Barbara shared 55½ years of marriage before Barbara’s passing.

Service to others was a defining characteristic of Ken’s life. He held numerous leadership positions in both the church and community. A devoted member of Immanuel United Methodist Church, he served as Lay Leader for more than 32 years. In 1984, he became a Lay Speaker and Lay Servant Minister, delivering more than 120 messages at 51 churches throughout the Hays, Dodge City, and Salina Districts. Ken served faithfully on many church and community committees and boards, including the Lakeside Board of Trustees, the District Committee on Superintendency, leadership for Lay Speaker and Lay Servant Schools, the Steering Committee for the Bridges of the Future Campaign, the District Connectional Ministries Council, and the Conference Commission on Campus Ministry.

He was also deeply committed to education and agriculture. Ken served on the Cheylin Board of Education, including four years as president. He was a member of both the Bird City Co-op Board and the Four Circle Co-op Board, serving six years as president of the latter. Additional community service included involvement with the Bird City Senior Center, Santa Claus Day, Kansas Day, and Century II Match Day. In recognition of his character and example, he received the Kansas High School Activities Association Award of Excellence for exemplary sportsmanship, ethics, and integrity.

Another special part of Ken’s life was his dedication to the Tri-State Antique Engine and Thresher Show in Bird City. He became a member in 1955, served as president from 1993 to 2003, and then as vice president from 2004 to 2020. He faithfully offered the opening prayer on Friday and Saturday mornings, including at this year’s event in July.

Ken was preceded in death by his parents, Gael and Mary Beougher; his brothers, Virgil, John, and Max Beougher; his sister, Opal Zimmerman; brother-in-law, Bob Jones and wife Laura Lee Jones; and the love of his life, his wife, Barbara Beougher.

Ken is survived by his children: Dr. Beverly Schottler and husband Mark of Lyons; Dr. Timothy Beougher and wife Sharon of Louisville, Kentucky; Dr. Kathy Beougher of Clay Center; and Amy Andrews and husband Lyle of Kansas City. He is also survived by his sister, Donna Spath and husband Chuck.

He leaves behind a cherished legacy through his grandchildren: Marcie and Ryan McCammond; Megan Schottler; Marshall Schottler; Kristi and Will McCartney; Jon and Ashley Beougher; Kari and Colin McCulloch; Karisa and Malachi Roundtree; Samantha Fields; Bethany Beougher; Ronnail Beougher; Romeo Beougher; Amanda and Brent Huffman; Darcy Andrews; Casey and Thomas Blake; and Cory and Hannah Andrews. He was also blessed with 24 great-grandchildren.

Ken will be deeply missed by numerous cousins, extended family members, and friends. Throughout his life, he touched countless lives through his faith, humility, leadership, and servant’s heart. Those who knew him best would describe him as a good and faithful servant.

During the last months of his life, Ken was lovingly cared for by the staff at Wheat Haven. There, he received the same compassion, kindness, and servant-hearted care that he had so freely given to others throughout his ninety-two years. His legacy of faith, service, and love will continue to inspire all who knew him.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Immanuel Methodist Church or the Tri-State Antique Engine and Thresher Association.