Kenneth L. Gay, 95, of Springfield passed away on August 5, 2016. He was born on December 28, 1920 to Edward and Katie (Perrot) Gay and graduated from Central High School Class of 1939. A World War II veteran, he served in the US Coast Guard from 1942 to 1946 and was stationed at Fort McHenry Baltimore, Maryland.

During the war Ken married the love of his life Ruth L. Kastendieck on August 23, 1944. They were married 72 years.

After the War he was employed in the automotive repair industry, ending his career at Martin Motors of Springfield.

Ken was a 73 year member of the Solomon Masonic Lodge #271 of Springfield and earned a 33 Degree from the Scottish Rite Temple of Joplin and was also a member of the Shrine Abou Ben Adhem Patrol, and Legion of Honor.

Kenneth is survived by his sons and daughters-in-law: David and Donna of Papillion, NE and Daniel and Jamie of Fordland; by grandchildren Lori Svendsen of Bolivar and Aimee Gay of Orlando, Florida; and great grandchildren Michael, Haylee, and Ashley Svendsen.

He was preceded in death by his wife Ruth, his parents and siblings, Eugene Gay of Springfield and Norma Branch of Joplin.

Visitation will be held at Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home on Monday, August 8, at 7:00 PM with services to be the following day at 1:00 PM. Burial will follow at Hazelwood Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to First and Calvary Presbyterian Church.