Kenneth Daugherty

Kenneth Rhynard Daugherty, 96, of Newton, died Friday, October 11, 2024, at Park Centre. A private graveside service will be held. Services are being handled by the Wallace Family Funeral Home and Crematory in Newton.

Ken, the son of William Oliver and Garnet Mildred (Gibbons) Daugherty, was born November 3, 1927, in Zookspur. He graduated from Madrid High School in 1946, where he set records in football, basketball, and baseball, and was part of multiple state championship teams. He was drafted into the US Navy, serving from 1946-1948. He then was recruited by the New York Giants and the Chicago Cubs. Ken decided to join the Cubs, where he played shortstop for two seasons before an injury ended his career. He then attended Drake University and then The University of Colorado—Boulder. He was united in marriage with Marian Reynoldson on June 10, 1950, in Denver, Colorado.

The couple returned to Iowa shortly after, where Ken helped his father-in-law, W.W. Reynoldson at the Reynoldson Sale Barn in Ames, where he was an auctioneer and livestock manager. When the couple moved to Newton in 1963, Ken owned the Standard gas station until the company closed. He then sold livestock feed for MoorMan’s and Kent. Ken later worked at the Riverview Release Center for 22 ½ years, retiring as the Security Director in 1993.

In his retirement years, Ken took up golf, which he naturally excelled at. He could often be found out at Westwood Golf Course. Ken also enjoyed the outdoors, whether he was fishing, hunting, or watching wildlife. He loved animals, especially dogs. Ken also enjoyed music and was a great dancer. He and Marian spent many nights dancing—there wasn’t a dance they couldn’t do.

Ken is survived by his daughter, Lynn (Steve) Schuldt of Deep River; his grandchildren: Cara, Brendan, Ken, Teri, Jeff, Kelly, and Kate; 14 great-grandchildren; his sister, Leora Sowder of Madrid; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Marian; two sons, Brian and Kevin Daugherty; his brothers: William (Dorothy), Merrill, and Merlin, in infancy; a sister, Mary (Don) Swenson; his brother-in-law, Marv Sowder; nephew, Dr. Steven Swenson; and nieces, Sandy (Swenson) Brandow and Kelley Sowder.