Kenneth L. Wetherington

Kenneth L. Wetherington, age 87 passed away on July 16, 2023, surrounded by his family. Ken was born in Bartow on October 27, 1935, and was a lifelong resident. He is preceded in death by his loving wife of 65 years, Betty Jo White Wetherington, his mother, Opal L. Garrett, father, JB Wetherington, daughter-in-love, Renee Wetherington, and son-in-law, Roy Dan Mitchell. Ken graduated from Summerlin Institute in 1954, where he played football and baseball. He and Betty were high school sweethearts and married after high school. He then attended Florida Southern College and graduated in 1968. He worked at IMC Fertilizer and retired from there after 37 years. He was a cattleman and citrus grower as well, even after retirement. He was also a member of the Polk County Cattlemen’s Association. Ken’s passion was being involved in the Polk County Youth Fair and he attended every fair for 76 years. Ken enjoyed his children being involved and helped many youth in Polk County with their projects so they could experience the fair. He served as President from 1989-1992 but continued serving on the board for over 40 years. Ken was also involved with Dixie Youth Baseball. He and Betty never missed their son Kenny playing ball, whether it be Dixie Youth, high school, or college. They also loved going to a Tampa Bay Rays game and spending time on Anna Maria Island and in Roan Mountain TN. Anyone that knew Mr. Wetherington, as he was known, always saw a man in a cowboy hat and a smile on his face with time to talk. You didn’t get by him without a hug and a conversation. He loved riding in his golf cart with his precious dog Maggie. Ken is survived by his daughters Pam Perdue Mitchell, Joy Watson, Maria Wetherington Braxton (Leon) and son Kenny Wetherington. He is also survived by his grandchildren Angie Cook (Brendon), Roy Perdue (Leslie), Jennifer Edmund (Chad), Curtis Watson, Faith and Briley Wetherington, and two great grandchildren, Brooklynn and Curtis, Jr and many extended families and lots of great friends. Ken was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Bartow. A memorial will be held Saturday, July 22, at the Stuart Center located at 1702 Hwy 17 S, Bartow, beginning with 10:00 visitation, 11:00 celebration followed by lunch for all. In lieu of flowers, in his memory donations can be made to the Polk County Youth Fair, P.O. Box 9005, Drawer HS03, Bartow, FL 33830. In Ken style, please wear your casual/western attire.