Kenneth Michel

Kenneth Anthony Michel, 90, of Poplar Bluff, Missouri passed away Sunday, March 31, 2024, at Westwood Hills Healthcare.

Ken was born Oct. 31, 1933, to Herman J. and Ida (Dietrick) Michel in St. Louis, Missouri. He married Rose Marie Freeman on July 23, 1955, in St. Louis. She preceded him in death in 2004. He later married Gloria Moore May 17, 2008, in Poplar Bluff.

He attended St. Louis College of Pharmacy, graduating in 1954. He began his pharmacy career at Gasen Drug in St. Louis where he met his future wife, Rose, who was also employed there as a cosmetician. He later moved his family to DeSoto, Missouri and then to Poplar Bluff where he became the owner of Key Rexall Drug in the newly opened Valley Plaza Shopping Center. Always seeking to become more knowledgeable in pharmacology, he later attended the University of Arkansas, receiving a Doctor of Pharmacy degree. In 2014, Ken was awarded the prestigious Bowl of Hygeia Award from the Missouri Pharmacy Association.

Ken was a member of Zion Lutheran Church and was also an active community member serving as Past President of the Poplar Bluff Chamber of Commerce, the Poplar Bluff Housing Authority, and the Poplar Bluff Rotary Club, along with numerous boards and groups over the last 50 plus years. In his spare time, he enjoyed reading and traveling, especially to the Florida beaches.

He is survived by his wife, Gloria; four children, David (Mary) Farris, Deborah Farris (Randy) Merimee, Christopher Michel, and Marty (Julita) Michel, all of Poplar Bluff; eight grandchildren, Gregory McDaniel of Denver, Colorado, Julie Farris Ferguson of Ballwin, Missouri, Katie Farris (Andy) Spellman of Des Moines, Idaho, Anthony (Erica) Michel, Matthew (Taylor) Michel, and Nicholas (Nikkia) Michel, all of Birmingham, Alabama, Taylor Michel of Sterling, Colorado and Quentin (Mattie) Michel of Monett, Missouri; 12 great-grandchildren and two stepchildren, Steven Moore of Columbia, Missouri and Kelly Varney of Nesbit, Mississippi.

Ken was preceded in death by his parents; first wife, Rose Marie Michel; sister, Gerry Eberhart, and his daughter-in-law, Melissa Michel.

Visitation will be held from 10-11:30 a.m. Friday, April 5, 2024, at Cotrell Willow Ridge Funeral & Cremation Services. The funeral service will begin immediately following at 11:30 a.m. with Pastor Justin Sponagle officiating. Ken will be laid to rest next to Rose at the Poplar Bluff City Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to the Zion Lutheran Church of Poplar Bluff.

Online condolences can be made at www.cwrfcs.com.