Ken Jeter, 86

December 26, 1938 — May 26, 2025

Killen, Alabama (Formerly of Tupelo) – Kenneth Duane Jeter Sr., age 86, entered his eternal home with Jesus on May 26, 2025. He was born on December 26, 1938, to James Crosby Jeter and Jessie Mae Welch Jeter in Tippah County, Mississippi.

The youngest of five children, Ken graduated high school in Tippah County in 1956. Like his brothers, he left the cotton fields and entered the service directly out of high school. During his time in the United States Army, he learned the trade of refrigeration equipment repair. He often spoke fondly of his time stationed in France, repairing equipment for the Army and exploring Europe by train. Discharged from the Army in 1959, he began his college education.

He married Patricia Ann Brock on December 16, 1961, and they were blessed with 57 years of marriage. Ken worked his way through college, taking night classes at Memphis State University and earning his Bachelor of Science degree in 1967. Upon graduation from college, he was employed as an engineer for Malone and Hyde in Memphis, Tennessee. A short time later, he and Pat opened Ken Jeter Store Equipment in Tupelo, Mississippi. Ken’s Christian faith was displayed by his honesty and fairness in business for over 45 years.

Active in their church in Guntown, Mississippi, Ken was a deacon and taught adult Sunday School classes for over 40 years. For decades, he would cheerfully minister by picking up and dropping off anyone in need of a ride to church. He truly loved his church family.

Ken enjoyed dominos with family and friends, hunting, fishing, piloting his single engine plane, and working on his farm in Tippah County, Mississippi. His work ethic was truly admirable even in his later years.

Ken is survived by daughter, Laura Adderholt (Greg); son, Kenneth D Jeter JR; grandchildren, Alexandra Guthrie (Shreve), and Nolan G Adderholt; and special nieces and nephews.

Ken is preceded in death by his wife, Pat; parents, James and Jessie Jeter; brothers, Martin Jeter and Hershal Jeter; and sisters, Jean Cappleman and Charlet Belyeu.

Visitation will be 1 p.m. until 2 p.m. Saturday, May 31, 2025 at Pegues Saltillo.

Services will be 2 p.m. Saturday, May 31, 2025 with Rev. Bruce Cappleman officiating. Burial will follow at Campbelltown Cemetery in Guntown, Mississippi.

The family wishes to express a special heartfelt thank you to the entire staff of Lauderdale Christian Nursing Home in Killen. They cared for Ken like he was their own daddy. They are forever grateful for their genuine love and kindness to Ken over the years.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Samaritan’s Purse or St Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Expressions of sympathy and fond memories may be left at PeguesFuneralHome.com.

Please follow the funeral home link above for further information, or to send online condolences or memorial gifts.

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