Kenneth Ross Selby

Kenneth (Ken) Ross Selby entered the world on March 19, 1942, in Fulton, Mo., as the middle child and only son of Forrest N. and Virginia Selby. He passed away surrounded by his family on Monday (June 24, 2024) at the age of 82, after a brief and sudden illness.

Ken is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Carol; three daughters, Cynthia (Jim) Dodge, Rebecca (Ron) Fields and Valerie (Tom) Duff; and his sister Dayle (Devon) Mixer.

Ken was known as Grandpa to James (Emily) Dodge and Adrienne Dodge, Rachel and Leah Fields and Brenden, Courtney and Olivia Duff.

Memories of Ken will be shared with his four young great-grandchildren for years to come.

Memorials may be made to the First United Methodist Church.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister Susan Pepperdine.

Ken graduated in 1964 with a degree in English and history from William Jewell College in Liberty, Mo. Following graduation, he served in the U.S. Army Reserves and then joined his father in the family farm equipment business, Selby Implement Company, located in Quincy.

At an early age, he showed a proficiency for marksmanship, attaining the rank of expert rifleman, and was a life member of the NRA. His passion for shooting sports was known by all who knew him. He was an expert in the field of firearms and won several awards in shooting competitions.

After his father passed away, Ken relocated his family to Jacksonville to work as a salesman for Gordon Implement Company and later opened his own small business, Selby Shooting Sports. This venture combined his sales experience with his extensive knowledge of firearms. In 1993, Ken moved his family to Rantoul, continuing his work selling farm machinery and his hobby of firearms. Ken worked throughout his life in sales, retiring in 2007.

Ken had conservative opinions, which he willingly shared; however, his love for his family was expressed in a quiet and simple manner.

Ken will be remembered for chasing geese with his remote-controlled boat, being an expert grill master, making homemade ice cream and his love of baseball, especially the Yankees. He was known for taking great care of his equipment, whether lawn mowers or automobiles. His grandchildren will also have fond memories of the “Hippopotamus Song.”

Family and friends are invited to gather and share memories at the visitations Friday, June 28, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Lux Memorial Chapel, and Saturday, from 10 to 11 a.m. at First United Methodist Church, Rantoul. Funeral services will be on Saturday, June 29, at 11 a.m. at First United Methodist Church, Rantoul, with a graveside gathering to follow.