Kenneth Wayne Walton

“A father’s love is not bound by life, not ended by death.”

Kenneth "Ken/Kenny" Wayne Walton, 60, of Lawrence, KS, entered eternal rest after a long battle with progressive multiple sclerosis on August 15, 2025, at Meadowbrook South in Gardner, KS. He was surrounded by his family.

Ken was born on July 12, 1965, to Ron and Carol Walton in Kansas City, Missouri.

Ken attended Campus High School in Haysville, where he played football, and graduated with the Class of 1983.

Ken had the reputation of being a hard worker, always doing his best to provide for his family. Over the years, he gained experience through his various jobs, including Berry Plastics, Jayhawk Guttering, Cottonwood, Inc., Professional Moving and Storage, and KU Transit.

On July 19, 1997, Ken married Michelle Turner. Ken chose to be a dad to her three children: Lara, James, and Ashlie. The family later welcomed two new additions—Miranda Lynn on May 21, 2001, and Kyle Blaine on September 20, 2002.

Ken was an avid action movie fan, with his favorites being Lethal Weapon, Die Hard, Rush Hour, and any Steven Seagal movie. He loved country and rock and roll, even dressing up as Tom Cruise’s character from Risky Business for a work Halloween party.

He enjoyed cooking and was known for his famous chili, often shared at potlucks. Ken also loved playing softball with his work team. Though competitive, he was always supportive of his fellow teammates.

Ken cherished taking his family on road trips, often traveling to see relatives in Oklahoma and attending many reunions. He built many lasting friendships through his various jobs, and several of those friends became like family.

Ken was preceded in death by his mother, Carol Moorehouse; step-father, Richard Moorehouse; father, Ron Walton; step-mother, Jan Walton; nephew, Bobby Joe Brantley III; and niece, Samantha Walton.

He is survived by Michelle Turner of Lawrence, KS, and their children: Lara Chance (Chaz) of Wellsville, KS; James Giffin of Lawrence, KS; Ashlie Raby (Jeff) of Topeka, KS; Miranda Walton of Lawrence, KS; and Kyle Walton of Lawrence, KS. He is also survived by 12 grandchildren: Abbi, Samuel, Patrick, Natalee, Emily, DeMarcus, Clara, Aiyden, Diana, Sarah Jo, Zach, Shyla, and Kenslee. In addition, Ken leaves behind his siblings: Ronne McClanahan, Kelly Walton, Brad Moorehouse, and Tom Walton; as well as many nieces and nephews.

The family is planning a private celebration of life on September 28, 2025.

Donations to his celebration of life fund may be made to Miranda Walton.