Dr. Kenneth Wayne Utley

Dr. Kenneth Wayne Utley, age 87, of Goodlettsville, TN and formerly of Madisonville, KY and Bowling Green, KY passed away peacefully on Tuesday, December 26, 2023.  Dr. Utley was born on August 4, 1936 to the late Ira Mack Utley and Reta Davis Utley.  He received his Doctorate from Ohio State University and he was a Business Professor at Western Kentucky University for over thirty years.  He was a long-time member of the State Street United Methodist Church in Bowling Green, KY.  He had been a member of The Grand Lodge of Kentucky, F.& A.M. in the Bowling Green, KY Lodge #73 for more than five decades. 

He served as the editor of the Kentucky Business Association quarterly journal for many years.  Additionally, he and his wife enjoyed gardening and he enjoyed riding his tractor and he loved attending auction sales.

Dr. Utley is survived by his beloved wife of 64 years, Charlene June Nixon Utley; a daughter, Sherrie Utley Mitchell; two grandchildren, Adam Mitchell and Misty Witherington; two great-grandchildren, Juliette Witherington and Archer Witherington; three nieces, Mona Utley Bowley, Terri Giffin, Heather Allen; and one nephew, Mack Utley.

He has joined his parents; his son, Kenneth Wayne Utley; and his brother, Meldon Utley in the eternal realm of Heaven.   

Visitation for Dr. Kenneth Wayne Utley will be Tuesday, January 2, 2024 at Beshear Funeral Home in Dawson Springs, KY from 12:00 PM until 1:00 PM. Masonic Rites Service will be held at 1:00 PM followed by the Funeral Service at 1:30 PM at the funeral home with Rev. Raymond Ward officiating.  Burial will follow at the Odd Fellow Cemetery in Madisonville, KY.