Kenneth L. Eby

Kenneth Lamar Eby, 78, of Marshall, Michigan, passed away peacefully in the presence of loved ones on Thursday, February 2, 2023, after an extended illness.

Ken was born in Elkhart, Indiana on February 28, 1944, to Roscoe and Florence (Sloat) Eby. He graduated from Jimtown High School in 1962.

Ken began his career at Nibco Inc. before going to trade school for plumbing and pipe fitting. He was a journeyman in the industry and a member of the UA for 58 years. He traveled across the eastern United States working at nuclear power plants and building manufacturing facilities. After settling in Michigan, Ken eventually joined the maintenance department at Post Cereal, retiring from there in 2002.

He married Sue Lewallen in 1961 and although the marriage did not last, they had two children together. Ken then married Christy Hall in 1986, in Las Vegas. They shared a love for animals, gardening, shooting pool together, and cheering on the Green Bay Packers until Chris’ passing in 2016.

For the last several years, Ken was blessed by the love of his significant other, Tammy Ruble. Together they enjoyed camping, traveling to tropical places, and relaxing pool side with a cocktail.

Truly an outdoorsman, Ken relished his fishing trips to Canada, was an avid hunter, could win at horseshoes and darts, got frustrated playing golf, and loved being on his boat. His hobbies also included waterskiing, drag racing, and playing cards – primarily blackjack. But most of all, Ken enjoyed hanging with his friends, joking, and laughing and sharing a beverage!

He was a 50-year member of the Moose Lodge and was also a member of the Polish National Alliance.

Ken is survived by his son, Kent Eby of Elkhart; daughter, Tammy (Tom) Booth of Union, Kentucky; his granddaughters, Brooke (Marcus) Jordan of Union, KY, Ashley Malcom, and Kaylee Eby both of Elkhart; three great grandchildren; his sister, Marge (James) Crowder of Cullowhee, North Carolina; brother-in-law, Joseph Hall; sister-in-law, Sharon Sandifer; and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his wife, Christy, Ken was preceded in death by his parents.

The family will receive friends on Friday, February 10, 2023, beginning at 1:00pm at Kempf Family Funeral and Cremation Services, 723 US Hwy 27 N, Marshall, MI 49068. Funeral service will begin at 2:00pm, Pastor Steve Olmstead officiating and graveside services with interment will follow in Hotchkiss Cemetery.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the Humane Society of South Central Michigan, 2500 Watkins Road, Battle Creek, Michigan 49015 or https://hsscm.org/ .  Please visit www.kempffuneralhome.com to view the online obituary, to sign the online guest book, or to leave personal condolences.