- Date Of Birth: June 7, 1937
- Date Of Death: May 27, 2021
- State: Missouri
Kenneth L. “Ken” Asbury (“Coach A”), 83 of Moberly, MO passed away May 27, 2021. He was born on June 7, 1937, to Roy H. Asbury and Edna Ruth (Gibson) Asbury. He was educated at Missouri Valley College. He was married to the love of his life, Connie (Weimer) Asbury, on September 25, 1971. They were just 4 months shy of celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary. He is survived by his wife, Connie; children Karl Asbury and his wife Kathy of Hannibal, MO, and Lee Anne Botts and her husband Chaz of Lee’s Summit, MO; grandchildren Konnor Asbury, Callee Botts, Korbin “Kirby” Asbury, and Allee Botts. He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister Norma Murry. Ken was a beloved husband, dad, DaDa, coach, son, brother, uncle, nephew, cousin, and friend.
Ken worked 50 years in education. He spent 31 years teaching Health and PE, serving as athletic director, and coaching football, track, cross country, and wrestling (at Park Hill for 12 years and at Moberly for 19 years). He also served 19 years on the Moberly School Board. He impacted many lives and mentored countless decorated athletes during his tenure in education. He was a decorated athlete in his own right, earning many awards and accolades. He was a four-year letterman in football and track at Moberly High School.
At Missouri Valley College, he was named NAIA All-American in football and qualified to run the 440 in the national track meet, in his senior year. He was drafted by the Chicago Bears to play football. He was a multiple-time inductee of the Missouri Valley College Athletic Hall of Fame: 1987 MVC Athletic Hall of Fame (Individual), 2008 MVC Athletic Hall of Fame (1958 Football Team), and 2009 MVC Athletic Hall of Fame (1955-56 Football Team).
He also received many awards as a coach and teacher. He was the 1985 KRES Coach of the Year (Football), Missouri Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association 25-year Certificate of Merit award 1994, 2014 Missouri Track and Cross Country Coaches Association Hall of Fame (Ken was instrumental in the development of girls track and field programs for the state of Missouri). He has a track meet named for him, “The Ken Asbury Invitational.” The Northeast Region Teachers Association of MSTA named him a “Friend of the Moberly School District” in 2009. In 2014 he was recognized by the MO House of Representatives for 50 years of exceptional service and dedication to education in the state of Missouri. He was inducted into the Moberly Public School Foundation Hall of Fame in 2015.
After retiring in 1994, Ken received his track and field official’s license and began starting local, district, sectional, and state meets in both track and cross country. He truly enjoyed his time officiating. He was named the 2011-2012 Boys Cross Country Official of the Year. He also volunteered much of his free time. He served on the YMCA Board of Directors from 2002-2013, serving as president for 6 years and voluntary CEO for 7 months, as well as memberships on multiple committees. He volunteered to work the election polls, as well as working as a volunteer laborer for the Fourth Street Theatre renovation. He also served on the Board of Directors for Parents as Teachers, and as a Moberly Chamber of Commerce Ambassador. The Asbury family was named the 2008 YMCA Volunteer Family of the Year. In 2013 the YMCA recognized Ken for his years of service and dedication to the Randolph Area YMCA. In 2014 he received a proclamation by the mayor of the city of Moberly for his 50 years of dedication to education.
As lauded and loved as he was as a teacher, coach, official, and volunteer, there could be no greater love held for him, than that of his family. He was a wonderful, loving husband. He was an amazing dad and DaDa, adored and revered by his children and grandchildren. Ken had a quick wit and a great sense of humor. He enjoyed spending time with his family. He was a constant support to his children. He attended countless games that his son, Karl played in and coached. Karl says his dad was his hero and mentor. His daughter, Lee Anne, would consider herself a “Daddy’s girl” to this day. Through Lee Anne’s health struggles, he was always there to support her. He enjoyed watching his grandchildren participate in their sports and activities, as well. Ken liked dogs, country music, cruising and traveling, doing crossword puzzles, and playing cards. He never met a stranger and was fun to be around. He liked to be outdoors fishing, hunting, camping, and playing sports, like golf. He would be one of the first to offer you a cold beer or drink. So, cheers to you Ken Asbury, you were truly a legend.
