Kenneth J. Jordan, age 80, of Richmond, Indiana, died Wednesday, September 7, 2022, at Reid Health.
Born July 7, 1942, in Richmond, Indiana, to Kenneth Sr. and Lena Falcone Jordan, Kenneth was a life-long resident of the area. He was a 1960 graduate of Richmond School where he played football and wrestled. Kenneth was a halfback on the 1958 undefeated football team and wrestled on the 1958 state championship team and the runner-up state championship team in 1959. He graduated from Ball State University, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree, a master’s degree and a degree in school administration.
Ken began his teaching and coaching career in 1964 at Centerville High School, teaching Industrial Education and coaching football and wrestling for 6 years; three years as head football coach (record 18-9) and wrestling head coach (51-25-2). In 1970, Ken moved to Wawasee High School as an assistant coach. He then returned to head coaching at Winchester Community High School in 1973 and had a 35-13 football record. He became an assistant football coach at Richmond High School in 1978 and then became head coach 1981-1988 with a 57-26 record including his 100th victory against Marion. He retired from coaching with a 110-48 overall record.
Ken received many coaching honors, winning several Tri-Eastern Conference and North Central Conference Championships. His teams at Richmond were ranked at times #1 in the state and his 1985 team finished #2. He was the NCC Coach of the year in 1982 and 1985.
Ken was also a wrestling official and refereed the State Wrestling finals in 1982 and 1983. As well as serving as an official at the Indiana Football Hall of Fame, he was inducted into the Football Hall of Fame and was also inducted into the Indiana Wrestling Hall of Fame.
Ken enjoyed hunting and going on fishing trips with ex-players and friends to Minnesota, Alabama, Arkansas, and Kentucky. During retirement he enjoyed playing weekly golf with his high school buddies. They told lots of stories and lies in recalling “the good old days.” He looked forward to his breakfast group that met weekly to solve world problems. They never quite accomplished that, so they just kept meeting.
He and his wife Pat celebrated their 30th anniversary on July 29th. They traveled far and wide together and with family and friends. They visited all fifty states, plus took many trips and cruises to Mexico, Canada, and Europe. His most memorable trip was with nine family members to visit the home of his maternal grandparents in Roseto Valfatore, Italy. Ken became an official member of Rosetani in the Men’s World Social Club while there.
He was a member of First Christian Church Disciples of Christ, Indiana State Teachers Association, Wayne County Retired Teachers Association, Golden Kiwanis, and American Legion Post #65 SAL.
Survivors include his wife, Pat; grandchildren, Monica (Joel) Hofmann, Kevin (Tiffany) Jordan, Bart (Heather) Porfidio, and Elizabeth (Patrick) Young; ten great-grandchildren; sisters, Darlene Caves, Rebecca (Jay) Hartman, and Angela (Darren) Touseull; sister-in-law, Linda Harkleroad; nieces; nephews; and many friends. His family held a special place in his heart.
He was preceded in death by his parents; stepfather, Harry Harkleroad; sons, Kenneth and Scott; and brothers Larry Harkleroad and David Harkleroad.
Visitation for Kenneth J. Jordan will be from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, September 14, 2022, at Doan & Mills Funeral Home, 790 National Road West, Richmond. Funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, September 15, 2022, at Doan & Mills Funeral Home with Rev. Cindy Ploughe officiating. Burial will be in Crown Hill Cemetery.
The family requests if you want to honor Ken, make a contribution to the charity or church that is important to you.
Condolences may be sent to the family via the guest book at www.doanmillsfuneralhome.com.