Kenneth Obye

Kenneth D Obye, 93, of 1111 Main Street, Apt. 214, passed away peacefully at Danville Regional Medical Center on December 26, 2016, following a brief illness. Ken was born in Tipton, Iowa in 1923 to the late Charles and Beth Obye. He proudly served his country in the US Army from 1943 – 1946 as a 1st Lieutenant. On June 19, 1945, he married Peggy Cunningham, who passed away in 2013.  He graduated in 1948 from Iowa State University with a BS in Forestry. He lived in Greenville, Miss, from 1950 to 1967, where he worked for the US Gypsum Company as Chief Forester, Timber Buyer. He was active in the Trinity Methodist Church. He moved to Danville in 1967, still working for the US Gypsum Company as Wood Procurement Superintendent. He retired in 1985. He was active in the First Presbyterian Church, serving as a Deacon and Elder. Ken and Peggy played golf together as they traveled extensively in the States and overseas. He also enjoyed golfing with some of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Ken was an active member of Glen Oaks CC from 1967 – 2007 and mentored a youth golf league. He took his passion for golf to competing in the Senior Games several times over the past decade. He was an avid gardener and master of home improvements. No detail was ever too small or any job ever too big for Ken to handle. Age never lessened his acts of service to his family and community. Ken is survived by son, Roger Obye and wife, Pauline, of Florida; son, Alan Obye and wife, Janice, of Colorado; daughter Mary Ann Troth and husband, Nat, of Virginia; and daughter-in-law Linda Obye of Danville. He also has five grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. In addition to his parents and wife, Ken was predeceased by son, Eric, of Danville, brother Chuck and sister Pauline. The family will receive friends at 1pm at Danville’s First Presbyterian Church, followed by a celebration of Ken’s life at 2 pm on Saturday, December 31, 2016, with the Rev. Alan Thompson officiating.  Interment will follow at Mountain View Cemetery. The family suggests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to First Presbyterian Church Organ Fund, 937 Main Street, Danville, Va, 24541. Townes Funeral Home and Crematory 215 West Main St. is serving the Obye family.