“I’ve had a good life.”

Kenneth “Kenny” Case Dearing lived a life anchored in family and faith. He died peacefully on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, after a short illness at St. Joseph Hospital in Lexington.

Born April 14, 1943, Kenny spent his life in Fleming County working as a farmer and managing the Flemingsburg Water Plant. But his favorite roles were husband, dad, papaw, pops, and friend. Kenny had a smile that could make anyone feel at ease; he was quick to jump in and help, and in a subtle way teach life lessons in patience, kindness, and perseverance. Kenny loved his family; spending time spoiling his granddaughters with sweet treats and rides around the farm, attending their school events, and watching them play sports. He recently picked up that tradition with his great grandson. Large family gatherings were some of his favorite times, mostly because there was a large table of desserts. Kenny was a fixture at Mt. Carmel Christian Church, serving as treasurer for 30 years and helping to coordinate meals for countless events and funerals.

Along with his professional career, Kenny also served his country in the United States Army and then in the Army Reserves.

He is survived by his two daughters, Kelley Dearing Smith and husband Doug and Leslie Litzler; his four granddaughters, Katie Smith, Kortney Smith, Shelby Litzler, and Sadie Litzler; his great grandson, Clayson Billings; and his sister, Ann Higgins.

Kenny’s best friend and wife of 61 years, Marilyn Jordan Dearing, left him earlier than they planned and his sudden illness happened two years after her death in 2024. He is now reunited with his high school sweetheart.

In addition to Marilyn, Kenny was preceded in death by his parents, Eugene and Helen Cropper Dearing; his brother, Larry Dearing; and his brother-in-law, Henry Higgins.

The funeral service will begin at 2 p.m., Monday, July 27, 2026, at Boone Nickell Funeral Home with Jeff Vice and Anthony McGlone officiating.

Kenny will be laid to rest at Fleming County Cemetery.

W. N. Fant American Legion Post #5 and Franklin Sousley VFW Post 1834 will be performing military rites.

Pallbearers include Jamie Higgins, Wally Thomas, Marty Littleton, Richard Black, Anthony McGlone and Jeff Vice. Honorary pallbearers include Austin, Ashton, and Landon Higgins and Charles “Shug” and Bill Colgan.

Visitation with family and friends will be 11 a.m. until the hour of service at 2 p.m., at Boone-Nickell located at 150 West Water Street in Flemingsburg.

In place of flowers, please consider a donation in memory of Kenny to the Mount Carmel Christian Church ( 55 Poplar Grove Road, Flemingsburg KY 41041).

Friends may offer online condolences at www.boonenickellfuneralhome.com