Ken Anderson

Kent (Ken) Robert Anderson, 70, of Nixa, Mo, passed away at 10:21 pm, Monday, December 14, 2015 in Mercy Health Center with his family and friends by his side. True to his humor he noted to everyone he was "checking out." Ken was born November 13, 1945 in Chicago, IL. Ken is preceded in death by his Mother, Inge Katherine (Steinmetz) Billings, Chicago, IL and Mother-in-law, Lovedia Norton. Ken married Paulett (Norton-Hayes) on February 26, 1993 and she survives. Also surviving are his step-daughter (whom he always referred to as his daughter), Lynnette Hayes and granddaughters Haylee Gant and Hannah Gant, all from Kansas City, MO. Ken fought cardiomyopathy and heart disease for a number of years. He sought every option to help his health issues. Ken went to Cedars Sinai in January, 2015 and received human stem cells. This procedure only helped him for a while as his heart was too damaged. He was attempting to get on the Heart Transplant list at St. Luke's, Kansas City, MO, but his body wore out too soon. Ken graduated high school and attended Northwestern University in Chicago. He was in the Army stationed in Paris for 2 years. Ken was an entrepreneur in the manufacturing and selling of medical devices. He owned a Respiratory Therapy business in Kansas City prior to relocating to Springfield, MO to continue in the medical field. He started Tech Medical Services, Inc. in 1989 and TMS Sterilization, Inc. in 2012. Ken's ultimate goal was to live long enough to see his oldest granddaughter, Haylee, graduate from St. Teresa's Academy in KC in 2017 and enter College. He also wanted to see Hannah graduate from St. Thomas More and enter high school in the Fall of 2016. Ken's granddaughters meant more to him than anything, even his new red Corvette. The Corvette was one of the things he achieved on his bucket list and he made sure it was never driven in the rain. Ken loved to travel with his family. The last vacation was in June and included a week in Italy, a Mediterranean cruise, and time spent in Turkey. Ken wanted his granddaughters to "see the world." His love for "new adventures" has afforded the family to do and see things that has provided life long memories for all. Ken had no hobbies, as his hobbies were work and spending time with family. Ken was a workaholic. He loved what he did and the people he worked with. He had business associates throughout the Country that he considered his friends and each of them thought the world of him. Ken was the most knowledgeable, generous and kind person that you can find. He held nothing back as he told you exactly what he thought. As a family we would like to extend a special thank you to the following nurses of 4E, Cardiac ICU, Mercy Health Center: Todi Crawford, Kayla, and Sally who were of great support to both Ken and our family during a difficult time. You helped to make his last days comfortable allowing us time to spend with him, share memories, and to say our goodbyes. We will forever be grateful. We love you, my husband, father and Papa. You have given us so much. Peace be with you and keep guiding us in the right direction. Memorial services will be on January 2nd, 3:00, at Adam's Funeral Home in Nixa, MO.