Kenneth "Ken" LeRoy Forgey, 86, of Redfield, SD passed away, Monday, February 21st, 2022, at Avantara in Redfield.  His burial will be held at the Black Hills National Cemetery in Sturgis, SD at a later date.  Arrangements have been entrusted to Hyke Funeral Home of Redfield (www.hykefuneralhome.com).

On October 26, 1935, Kenneth LeRoy Forgey was born in Gettysburg, SD to Alonzo and Alta (Evans) Forgey.  Ken was the youngest of 10 children (Dale, Tom, Marion, Ella Maye, Robert, Howard, Virginia, Bev and Jewel).  After school, Ken went into the military and was stationed in Panama.  When he returned home from the service, he began work for Northwestern Bell Telephone.  Ken met his wife, Marlene "Marty" Olson in 1959, during his time with Bell.  Ken and Marty had two children, Scott and Mary Beth.  Ken was also blessed with four grandchildren (Trisha Whitley, Brittney Dixon, Bryce Castleberry; and Brianna Castleberry) and five great-grandchildren (Dylan, Mason, and Adrian Whitley, and Casen and Brynlee Castleberry).

Ken began a successful career with Combined Insurance in the early 1970's.  He had a knack for training and motivating with his always positive attitude.  He loved people and his career.  The relationships he formed during those years were life-long.  During his time with Combined, he earned many accolades and promotions.  One of which was the Triple Crown Award as Sub Regional Manager for the Northwest Region (SD, ND, MN).  Ken went on with his career in insurance to become Regional Managers in both TX and MI.

One of Ken's lifelong friends commented after his passing "Kenny was a friend in deed and a friend indeed".  That is a perfect description of Ken.  Ken was a lover of sports.  He had a special passion for baseball and played for the Redfield town team for many years.  He also enjoyed fishing, hunting, bowling, and golfing throughout his life.  Ken was an avid Cowboys fan and he and his son had season tickets for many years during their time in Texas. Ken was also a member of the Masonic Order.

Ken is preceded in death by his parents, Alonzo and Alta (Evans) Forgey; wife, Marlene (Olson); siblings: Dale, Tom, Marion, Ella Maye, Robert, Howard and Virginia; and granddaughters: Trisha Whitley and Brianna Castleberry.

Survivors include his son Scott (Diane) Forgey of Redfield; daughter Mary Beth Castleberry of Carrollton, TX; grandchildren Brittney Dixon of Elmo, TX and Bryce Castleberry of Carrollton, TX; great-grandchildren Dylan, Mason, and Adrian Whitley of Redfield; and Casen and Brynlee Castleberry of Carrollton, TX.  He is also survived by sisters Beverly (Eddie) Merrill and Jewel (Fred) Bown; as well as many nieces and nephews.