Kenneth Eugene "Snake" Risner

Kenneth Eugene Risner “Snake” – 70, of Kenton, Ohio, went to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on Wednesday, June 18th, 2025, at the Ohio State University hospital.

Ken was born on August 12, 1954, to the late Max and Imogene (Legge) Risner. On April 6, 1974, he married his best friend and love of his life, Alicia “Lisa” Beach. Together, they had three beautiful daughters: Lacey (Mike) Faieta of Columbus, Ohio, Melissa (Rob) Roby of Kenton, Ohio, and Emily (Jim) Jude of Canal Winchester, Ohio. 

Kenny, affectionately known as Papa, by six wonderful grandchildren: Logan (Tyler) Hollingsworth of Kenton, Ohio, Katlyn (Wendell) Harris of Columbus, Ohio, Peyton Roby of Kenton, Ohio, Drew Faieta of Nashville, Tennessee, Addison, and Macie Jude of Canal Winchester, Ohio, and four great-grandchildren: Sawyer, Bryer, and Blair Hollingsworth of Kenton, and Savannah Harris of Columbus.

Ken is survived by his five sisters: Barbara (Bill) Hart of Washougal, Washington, Sharon (John, deceased) Richardson of Bellefontaine, Ohio, Carolyn (Dennis) Crumrine of Harrod, Ohio, Beverly (Paul, deceased) Miller of Kenton, Ohio, and Kathy (Craig) Shepherd, of Kenton, Ohio, and one brother: Jeff (Jill) Risner of Medina, Ohio, and many nieces and nephews. 

Kenny graduated from Upper Scioto Valley High School in 1972, worked at Rockwell (Meritor) for 30 years, and retired at the early age of 48. He then worked for his brother-in-law, Paul (Miller’s Mowing), for 17 years. He was a die-hard Cleveland Browns fan and loved the Ohio State Buckeyes football and basketball teams. He was also a member of the Abundant Life Assembly of God Church, where he dedicated his life to Jesus Christ. He loved golfing with his friends and family, attending every event for his grandkids, and more than anything, he loved his family!

Ken enjoyed coaching his three daughters in softball from T-ball into high school in his younger years. He also coached his granddaughter Logan’s middle school basketball team and his grandson Peyton’s Little League baseball team. But his coaching years didn’t end there. He made a comeback to coach Sawyer, his great-grandson’s 2nd farm baseball team. “Coach Kenny” impacted generations of kids in his community and truly loved teaching the love of the game.

“Don’t sweat the small stuff and all stuff is small stuff,” was Kenny’s life motto. He was a kind, gentle soul and a peacekeeper to everyone who knew him. He couldn’t tell a joke without laughing so hard he’d cry, and left a legacy of “Papa jokes” to keep his family smiling.

Though it’s with great sorrow that we share this obituary, because of our hope in Jesus, it’s not goodbye, but “until we see you again!”

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Kenton Little League through the Price McElroy Funeral Home or Quest Credit Union. 

Services will be held at 2:00 P.M. on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, at the Abundant Life Assembly of God Church in Kenton with Pastor James Goldsmith officiating. Burial will follow at Grove Cemetery. Friends and family may visit 3 hours prior to services at the church. The Price McElroy Funeral Home in Kenton is assisting the family with arrangements.

Online condolences may be expressed at pricefh.net. 

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