Kenneth Wade

Morley

Kenneth Wade Morley, age 85, of Pottsville, known as Ken to family and friends and “Paca” to his great-grandchildren, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Sunday, November 8, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of faith, family, hard work, laughter, and countless stories that will be told for generations to come.

Ken was born on September 27, 1941, in South Gate, California. From an early age, he developed the values that would guide his life: a strong work ethic, a deep love for family, an unwavering faith in Jesus Christ, and a gift for finding humor in almost any situation. Whether sharing stories from his childhood, recalling adventures with his brother, Fred, or teasing his great-grandchildren, Ken had a gift for making people laugh and feel at home wherever he was.

One of the defining moments of his life came in 1969, when, at twenty-seven years old, he and his wife packed up their young family in California and moved to Arkansas with no job and no place to live. It was a bold step fueled by faith and a desire to raise their children in a place where family, freedom, and Christian values were important. What began as a leap of faith became a lifetime of blessings.  Above all else, Ken loved his family. He often said the happiest days of his life were marrying the love of his life, Johnna, and welcoming their children into the world. He and Johnna built a marriage that spanned more than six decades, creating a home centered on faith, love, and commitment. Through every joy and every hardship, they walked life’s path together.

Ken was preceded in death by his beloved son, Kenneth ‘Todd’ Morley, and his parents, Kenneth H. and Vera Bryant Morley.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Johnna Morley; his daughter and son-in-law, Lori and Phil Howard; his grandchildren, Nikki (Ryan) Young, and Jill Hottinger; his great-grandchildren, Ryder Hottinger, Addison Jackson, and Knox Young; his brother, Fred Morley; his sister, LuVenna Wall; his niece, DeAnna Pastore; and extended family members, and friends who were blessed to know him.

Ken was a gifted builder, craftsman, artist, farmer, storyteller, and problem solver. He could build almost anything he could imagine, from wagons and trains to works of art that reflected his creativity and attention to detail. He found joy in working with his hands and took great satisfaction in creating things that brought happiness to others.

He loved traveling with Johnna, especially their adventures across the United States, Canada, and Europe. He enjoyed fishing, gardening, square dancing, painting, and sharing stories from a life time of experiences. Yet no matter where he traveled or what he accomplished, his greatest treasures were always the people he loved.

His faith in Jesus Christ was the foundation of his life. Ken accepted Christ as a young boy and never wavered in that commitment. He served as a deacon at Connect Church in Russellville for many years and devoted much of his life to sharing the hope, grace, and salvation he had found in Christ. He participated in mission work, witnessed to countless people, and never missed an opportunity to talk about God’s goodness.

Those who knew Ken will remember a man who worked hard, loved deeply, laughed often, and trusted God completely.

While his family will miss him more than words can express, they find comfort in knowing that Ken’s greatest hope has now become reality. He is now reunited with loved ones who have gone before him in the presence of his Savior.  Ken’s life was a testament to faith, perseverance, family, and grace. His legacy will continue through the lives he touched, the family he cherished, the stories he shared, and the example he set.

He will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and spoken of often…usually accompanied by a smile, a laugh, and one of his stories.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 10, 2026, at Connect Church in Russellville with the Rev. Billy Ellis and the Rev. Blaine Rogers officiating, under the direction of Shinn Funeral Service of Russellville.

The family will receive friends following the service at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Life Touch Health (formally known as Arkansas Hospice), 220 John Babish Lane, Russellville, AR 72801.