Kenneth N. Ballou, 94, of Burkesville, passed away Thursday, January 30, 2020 at Cumberland Valley Manor, He was born June 13, 1925 in Adair County to the late William Murray “Bill” Ballou and Mattie Florence Garrison Ballou.

As a young man, Kenneth served in the U.S. Army 9th Division, 47th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Battalion K Company during World War II where he received the purple heart with the bronze cluster, the Distinguished Service Medal, and the meritorious unit award with the bronze cluster.

After returning home, he attended and graduated from the Kentucky School of Embalming in 1948 and was licensed by the board in 1949. He was one of the oldest license holders in the state, receiving his 70 year certificate in 2019.

In 1950, he and his wife Stella moved to Burkesville and founded Ballou Funeral Home where he served families for many years.

He was a member of Burkesville First United Methodist Church, VFW Post 5419, American Legion 119, Post Master of Cumberland Lodge #413, a former board member of Cumberland County Hospital, Cumberland Valley Manor, Burkesville Cemetery Board, and other numerous organizations.

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Cumberland County School District leaders monitored school attendance related to illness very carefully over the last few weeks.

The decision to close school for the remainder of last week was made early Tuesday morning, February 4, as schools were closed through last Friday.

Head Start and Little Panthers Daycare were also closed and 21st Century activities were cancelled.