William "Ken" Kenneth Kistner

William Kenneth Kistner (Ken), 84, of Millersburg, Missouri, passed away on February 16, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. Ken was born in Dora, Missouri, to William and Pearl Kistner. He attended the Missouri School of the Deaf, graduating in 1961, where he played football and basketball, ran track, and was part of the literary society. The majority of Ken’s career was spent working for Pepsi as well as Square D, where he later retired. Ken loved fishing and deer hunting and was a member of the National Bass Association of the Deaf for many years, winning the annual tournament in 1996. That same year, Ken was also presented with the Missouri Deaf Bass Anglers Sportsmanship of the Year award.

Ken was a loving husband, father, and friend, remembered for his sense of humor and his habit of cracking jokes. He did not allow his deafness to define him or stand in his way and lived his life with independence and determination. He was also known for fixing things himself and coming up with solutions on his own.

Ken is survived by his wife, Mary; his children, Georgia Ann Smith, William Melvin Kistner, Jamie Huntze (Nick), Tina Blackburn (Dustin), Deborah Nutt-Hagan (David), and Michael Taylor (Melanie); two sisters, Gerri Hoover and Louise Salmons; ten grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.

Ken was preceded in death by his parents, William and Pearl Kistner, and his brother, Melvin Kistner.

A visitation will be held on Saturday, March 7, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Parkade Baptist Church. The funeral service will take place following the visitation at 12:00 p.m., with burial to follow at Callaway Memorial Gardens in Fulton, Missouri.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Deaf Ministry of Parkade Baptist Church and the National Bass Association of the Deaf.

Online condolences and tributes may be shared with the family at www.bachyager.com.

Bach-Yager Funeral Chapel is honored to serve the Kistner family.

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