Kenneth Leon LaRue

Kenneth L. LaRue, 91, of Troy, Missouri, surrounded by his entire family who absolutely adored him, passed away peacefully and went home to be with the Lord on Friday, July 24, at Mercy Hospital in St. Louis. Born in Troy, on April 16th, 1924, Kenneth was the son of Lindley Leon LaRue and Catherine Cora (Borgelt) LaRue. Kenneth married Faye Crouch on June 18th, 1949, and they had two daughters. He served with distinction in the U.S. Navy, aboard ship, in the Pacific Theater during World War II. After the war, he returned to Troy to become a mail carrier, hardware store proprietor, loan company owner, real estate broker/developer, and auctioneer. He earned national prominence as an auctioneer at the prestigious American Royale in Kansas City, Missouri, selling saddle-bred horses, quarter horses and thoroughbreds. Kenneth was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, and a strong, constant man of God. At the age of 52, he answered the call to become a preacher and teacher of God’s word, building the Troy Christian Community Center, as well as the Christian Center Academy. He was integral in bringing a major movement of the Holy Spirit to the Lincoln County area and faithfully served the Lord as a pastor for over 35 years. His phone and doorbell rang at all hours of the day and night, seeking his prayers, counsel and Godly strength. Kenneth loved spirited conversations on nearly any topic and was known for his wonderful stories and warm, enthusiastic personality. He will be remembered as soft-hearted, kind, and curious about everything, having learned his way around a computer keyboard and the Internet in his 80’s. His musical talents included piano, guitar, and some “world-class” whistling skills. For many years, he could also be spotted traveling around town on a bicycle built-for-two… by himself. He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Faye LaRue of Troy; two children: Cheri Leifert and husband Gary of Troy, Lori Zielonko and husband Frederick of Chesterfield; four grandchildren, Jared Leifert, Joshua Leifert, Quinn Zielonko (Amanda) and Connor Zielonko (Anna Becker); two great-grandchildren, Holly and Tucker Leifert, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Betty Wegener. Interment will be private at the Troy City Cemetery. Friends will be received on Sunday, August 16, 2015, from 1pm to 3pm, at the Troy Christian Community Center, located at 510 S. Lincoln Drive, Troy, Missouri 63379. A Celebration of Life will be held at 3pm, following the visitation. There will be time to share your favorite “Ken LaRue Story” or you may bring along a written copy for the family to enjoy later. Expressions of sympathy and joyful remembrance may be made to the Christian Community Center, under the direction of Kemper-Millard-Keim Family Funeral Chapels, P.O. Box 222, Troy, MO 63379—(636) 528-8221. Online condolences may be made at www.kempermillardkeimfamilychapels.com.

Kenneth Leon LaRue

April 16, 1924 - July 24, 2015