Kenneth R. Risley

Kenneth R. Risley, age 82 of Sycamore, Ohio passed away on Friday, July 13, 2018 at 1:15 P.M. at home surrounded by his loving family. He was born on January 12, 1936 to Russel R. and Hazel V. (Ritter) Risley in Upper Sandusky, Ohio. He married Jocelyn E. (Geary) Risley at the Sycamore Evangelical United Brethren Church in Sycamore, Ohio on June 10, 1956 and she survives.                                             

Surviving are the following children: Julie (Joe) Thomas, Upper Sandusky, Ohio, Joan (Tim) Davidson, rural Tiffin, Ohio and Mark (Diana) Risley, Caledonia, Ohio. Also surviving are eight grandchildren, three step-grandchildren, ten great grandchildren, twelve step-great grandchildren, one brother, Richard (Margaret) Risley, rural Upper Sandusky, Ohio with many nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents.                      

Kenneth served in the Army for three years, purchasing a farm and milked cows on his return home. Kenneth also worked for area implement dealers in his early years and in 1976 founded Risley Amusement Rides where Ken and Jolly traveled to Ohio fairs and festivals. After thirty-seven years of traveling, Ken was forced to retire due to health reasons. The amusement business was a trait he acquired by working in his father’s Root Beer Stand. In later years the couple delivered seed for B.F. Walton and Sons Seed Company.  

Kenneth accomplished his American Farmers Degree, was an avid supporter of the Mohawk FFA-Green Hand Award, and a 4-H Advisor founding the Trails End 4-H Club in 1964, enjoying many horse riders during his tenure. He was a member of the Sycamore United Methodist Church for eighty-two years, serving on many committees, teaching Sunday School and Volunteering as needed. Kenneth and Jolly were members of the (GOSA) Greater Ohio Showman’s Association, making many forever friends on the road. Kenneth enjoyed working, traveling, spending time and making memories with his children and grandchildren.   

Funeral services for Kenneth will be held on Tuesday, July 17, 2018 at 1:00 P.M. at the Sycamore United Methodist Church with Pastor Kristin Buchs and Pastor Matt Garrabrant officiating. Burial will follow at Pleasant View Cemetery, Sycamore, Ohio where the Sycamore American Legion Post # 250 will conduct a military graveside service. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, July 17,2018 from 10:00-1:00 P.M. at the Sycamore United Methodist Church.  

Memorial contributions can be made to the Sycamore United Methodist Church or Hospice of Wyandot County in care of Walton-Moore Funeral Home, P.O. Box 350, Sycamore, Ohio 44882. Online expressions of Sympathy can be made at waltonmoorefuneralhome.com

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