Kenneth R. ‘Ken’ George

DECATUR, Ill. — Kenneth R. “Ken” George, 47, of Decatur, Illinois, and formerly of Parsons, passed away on Thursday, May 18, 2023, at his home.

Kenneth Ray George was born on Jan. 18, 1976, to David Ralph and Eunice Bernice (Clark) George in Joplin, Missouri. He grew up and attended school in the Parsons area, graduating from Labette County High School in 1994.

Following high school, Ken earned an associate of arts degree from Coffeyville Community College, a bachelor of science degree from Northwest Missouri State University and a master of fine arts from the University of Wisconsin. Over the years, Ken worked as a set designer and set design instructor at Casper College, University of Wisconsin – Madison, Oklahoma State University, Louisiana State University, Stephens College and the University of Central Missouri. And he had been an assistant professor at Millikan University since 2021. He had also worked as a freelance set designer and producer from 2012 to the present in various places such as California State - L.A. and Okaboji Theatre in Iowa. Ken was instrumental in collegiate and professional productions, which included “Hairspray,” “Gypsy,” “Cabaret,” “To Kill a Mockingbird,” “Chicago,” “Rent,” “Titanic,” “The Merry Wives of Windsor,” “King Lear” and “Into the Woods” to name a few.

An incredibly talented professional, Ken was a member of Alpha Phi Omega and the United States Institute of Theatre Technology and was awarded the Wyoming Arts Council 2005 Performing Arts Fellowship Award.

Ken loved spending time with his family. He made friends easily and considered many of his counterparts in the theater to be family. Ken enjoyed traveling and hanging out with friends. He was always up for adventures from exploring various parts of the cities he was living, watching shows, collaborating with friends and colleagues on various projects and simply being his fun-loving self who always provided laughs and smiles for those he was around. His laughter and sense of humor are two things that are unforgettable.

Ken is survived by his mother, Eunice Eisenbrandt of Parsons; a sister, Kimberly Fischer (Heather) of Newton; a half brother, Tim R. George of Temple, Texas; a stepbrother, Daniel D. Eisenbrandt III (Lisa) of Oswego; a stepsister, Kristen Walker (J.D.) of Oswego; and other extended, loving family, including numerous nieces, two nephews and his numerous friends.

He was preceded in death by his dad, Daniel D. “Danny” Eisenbrandt Jr.; and his grandparents.

The service will be at 2 p.m. Friday at Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home in Parsons. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home.

The family suggets memorials to Millikan University, which will be designated to the School of Theatre and Dance. To make a gift, please go to www.millikin.edu/give. Choose the “Memorials” and note who the gift is honoring. Memorial gifts can also be mailed to Millikan University Alumni and Development Office, 1184 W. Main St., Decatur, IL, 62522, or left at or mailed to Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home, P.O. Box 374, Parsons, KS, 67357.

Leave online condolences at www.forbeshoffman.com.