Charles Kenley (Ken) Mays

Charles Kenley (Ken) Mays of Fayetteville passed away June 17, 2018 while visiting family in California. He was born June 12, 1935 in Lodi, Calif., to Otho Charles (OC) and Gladys Miller Mays. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Nancy Cole Mays of Fayetteville; daughters Susan Mays (Andrew Ducey) and Sarah Mays Derrick (Christopher); grandsons Alexander Peyton, Nicholas James and Thomas Kenley Derrick; sister Karen Mays Morrison; brother Galen Mays (Ellisa); brother-in-law James A. Cole (Connie); niece Jessica Mays Davis (Tom); and nephew Adam Cole (Aurelou). Ken grew up in California's San Joaquin Valley. He was prominent in Tulare County 4H, earning countless ribbons and trophies for his dairy cattle, serving as a delegate to the National 4H Club Congress and representing California at the National 4H Camp (now National 4H Conference). He graduated from Porterville High School in 1952 and attended Porterville College and Fresno State University, where he was an avid distance runner. He graduated from the University of California at Davis with a B.S. in Agricultural Economics and later from Kansas State University with an M.S. in Agricultural Economics. Following his time at Davis, he served as a chaplain's assistant in the U.S. Army. Throughout the 1960s, Ken worked for University of California Agricultural Extension, serving as a 4H farm advisor in Riverside County. He began a nearly 25-year career with the County of Orange in 1970, working in the County Administrative Office and the Health Department before ultimately retiring as Chief of Personnel Operations. During this time, he also served as president of the Children's Home Society of Orange County. After moving to Fayetteville in 1998, Ken became active at First United Presbyterian Church. He was an ordained deacon and elder as well as a Stephen Minister and Leader in the Presbyterian Church (USA). He led a men's prayer breakfast group and served on the Butterfield Trail Village resident council. A celebration of life will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, July 21, 2018 in Fellowship Hall at First United Presbyterian Church in Fayetteville. Ashes will be buried in a private family graveside service at Goshen Cemetery later that afternoon. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be made in his name to First United Presbyterian Church, 695 E. Calvin St., Fayetteville 72703, for its local ministry to feed those in need, or to the Goshen Cemetery Association, P.O. Box 131, Goshen 72735. Local arrangements by Beard's Funeral Chapel. Condolences at www.beardsfuneralchapel.com.