Malden ~ Kenneth Wayne Lentz, 71 of Columbia, Missouri, formerly of Malden, Missouri, passed away on Wednesday, May 29, 2024 at his residence in Columbia, Missouri.

Kenneth, son of Kenneth Abram and Betty Ann Russell Lentz, was born on Sunday, July 6, 1952, in Cairo, Illinois. He graduated in 1970 from Meridian District 101 in Mounds, Il and attended Southeast Missouri State University.

Ken was a dedicated teacher and school administrator.  He held a Specialist Degree in Education and enjoyed teaching 6th grade.  He was principal for the Elementary/Middle School in Malden.  After retirement he greatly enjoyed being a Malden School Board Member for 21 years and serving as President for many years. Ken also served on the Dunklin County Library Board and helped to obtain new libraries for the area as well as updates for existing libraries.  He was a member of Grace Lutheran Church until it's closing, and was a current member of Campus Lutheran Church in Columbia.

In retirement, he enjoyed reading, researching family genealogy, researching history and playing cards with his granddaughters

On June 3, 1972 in Dexter, Missouri, he was united in marriage to Mary Jean Riley.  She preceded him in death on April 24, 2016.

Ken's greatest joy was spending time with his family.  He is survived by son, Jeffrey Scott Lentz and daughter-in-law, Laura of Columbia; beloved granddaughters, Lillyann and Roselynn both of Columbia; sister, Karen Anderson and brother-in-law, Mark of Oran; brother, Keith Lentz of Anna, Illinois; several nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.

In addition to his wife, Mary Jean Lentz, he was preceded in death by his parents and son, Bryan Andrew Lentz.

Visitation will be held on Friday, June 7, 2024 from 6 – 8 P.M. at the Landess Funeral Home in Malden. Funeral services will be at 10:00 A.M. Saturday, June 8, 2024 at the Landess Funeral Home Chapel in Malden with Reverend Justin Sponaugle officiating. Burial will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery in Malden, Missouri.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Dunklin County Library, Attn: JoNell, 209 N. Main St., Kennett, MO  63857.

Landess Funeral Home and Crematory of Malden is in charge of the arrangements.