Kenneth 'Kenny' Ray Ault

Kenneth Ray Ault, son of Rosa Mae and the late Leonard (Shorty) Ault, was born on May 7, 1952 in Mountain Grove, Missouri and began his Heavenly journey on January 25, 2015 at his home in Nixa, Missouri. He was 62 years, 8 months and 18 days of age.

Ken was united in marriage to Leatha Irene Durney on April 24, 1976 in Mountain Grove, Missouri. Two daughters were born of this union: Lindsay Irene and Emily Rae.

Ken was raised in Mountain Grove and at a young age developed a love for running. Throughout his high school career he began making a name for himself and setting records in track and cross country throughout southwest Missouri; of which some remain unbroken. He continued his running career in college after earning scholarships in both track and cross country from Southwest Missouri State, where he competed from 1970 - 1975. In 1972, Ken earned All American honors in the 3,000 meter Steeplechase. In 1995, Ken was inducted into the Southwest Missouri State University sports hall of fame. Many coaches helped shape Ken's running career, but none more than Ken Morris, who not only shaped him as an athlete, but remained a lifelong friend and mentor.

In addition to an ongoing passion for running, Ken was a sports enthusiast and enjoyed the spirit of competition. He could often be found anywhere between the golf course and pool table. Ken always enjoyed a day at the lake fishing with friends or at deer camp with his hunting buddies. A day was never wasted and life was not only lived, but always enjoyed.

Ken enjoyed spending time with family and friends, and found great joy with his grandchildren. He also spent many hours ensuring that Rivercut Golf Course was one of the top public courses in the country.

Ken is preceded in death by his father: Leonard (Shorty) Leroy Ault, a man he missed so dearly.

Ken is survived by his mother: Rosa Mae (Stevenson) Ault; his high school sweetheart and loving wife of nearly 39 years: Leatha Irene (Durney) Ault; two daughters: Lindsay Morris and husband, Coby, of Hartsburg, Missouri, Emily Ault of Springfield, Missouri;
two brothers: Elmer Ault and wife, Marie, of Montgomery, Alabama, Jim Ault of Golden, Missouri; two sisters: Sue Johnson and husband, Ellery, of Florissant, Missouri, Faye Elder and husband, Jim, of Pilot Grove, Missouri; seven grandchildren: Cole, Chase and Lainey Morris, Spencer and Skylar Zeolia, of the home, Braelyn and Bentley; and a host of nieces, nephews, teammates and loving friends who will miss him dearly.


Visitation: Wednesday, January 28, 2015 from 6:00 - 8:00 PM in the Craig-Hurtt Chapel, Mountain Grove.

Funeral Service: Thursday, January 29, 2015 at 2:00 PM at the First Christian Church, 522 North Oakland, Mountain Grove.

Memorial Contributions: In Lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Ken Ault Track & Cross Country Scholarship c/o the funeral home.

Burial: Hillcrest Cemetery, Mountain Grove