Kenneth "Ken" Owen Gray's Obituary
GRAY, Kenneth “Ken” Owen, age 83, of Waynesville, passed away on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at Ohio’s Hospice of Butler & Warren Counties.
Ken graduated from Waynesville High School, class of ’60. He worked in maintenance at Continental Can Company for over 20 years. He continued to work as a custodian for Wayne Local Schools for an additional seven years before officially retiring.
When Ken wasn’t working, he was deeply involved in his true passion, woodworking. He had fantastic skills at building cabinetry and furniture. Over the years, he had gained a collection of clamps. With his good sense of humor, he would tell people, “You can never have enough clamps!” He also enjoyed mowing the lawn and was quite particular about how he wanted it to look. In addition, with his wife, Barbie, he enjoyed antique shopping, quilting, sewing, and making rag rugs.
Even though he had a strong exterior, he was very kind, caring, and loving on the inside. Ken looked forward to the holidays when all the family would be together. He also enjoyed the family tradition of bonfires at their home. He was over the moon in love with his wife, Barbie, and was delighted to say that they were “Ken and Barbie”. Among many things, he will be remembered for the love and pride he had in his family, and for being a dad and grandpa.
Ken was preceded in death by his son, Rod Gray; daughter, Pamela Bunch-McCandless; grandson, Tony; and his parents, Robert and Frances Gray. He is survived by his beloved wife of 25 years, Barbara, affectionately known as “ Barbie” or “Barber K”; his two sons, Randy Gray and Ronny (Deloris) Gray; his daughter, Patricia (Kyle) Thigpen; 10 grandchildren, Heather, Crystal, Tommy, Jesse, Amira, Gavin, Zaydyn, Iris, Elizabeth, and Neal; several great-grandchildren; and one brother, Robert (Pat) Gray.
Private services at the convenience of the family. Stubbs-Conner Funeral Home in Waynesville is serving the family. If desired, contributions may be made to Ohio’s Hospice of Butler & Warren Counties. Condolences may be made at https://www.stubbsconner.com.
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