Kenneth K. Cordonnier, 73, of 310 Botkins Angle Road, New Knoxville, died 8:00 P.M. Wednesday, December 22, 2010, at Joint Township District Memorial Hospital in Saint Marys.

He was born February 27, 1937, in Shelby County, Ohio, the son of August and Freda (Barhorst) Cordonnier.

He married Connie Elshoff on May 4, 1991; she survives at the residence. He is also survived by his four children: Kimberly (Bill) Stump of Houston, Ohio; Douglas Cordonnier of Naples, Florida; David (Hollie) Cordonnier of Fort Loramie; Daniel Cordonnier of Fort Loramie; by four step-children:Tami (Stan) Sanford of Saint Marys; Teri (Joe) Lesher of New Bremen; Craig (Renee) Lauth of Saint Marys; Brent (Charla) Lauth of New Knoxville; by 6 grandchildren; 11 step-grandchildren; 6 step-great-grandchildren; by his siblings: Paul (Rosie) Cordonnier of Russia; Jim (Doris) Cordonnier of Minster; Rachelle Cordonier of Kettering; August (Barb) Cordonnier, Jr. of Russia; Carol (Amos) Johns of Piqua; Bill (Sue) Cordonnier of Carmichael, California; by a brother-in-law, Leonard (Vera) Elshoff of Spencerville; two sisters-in-law: Janet (Alfred) Manbeck of New Bremen; Sandy Curts of New Knoxville.

He was preceded in death by his parents and by a sister, Marie Schwartz; by a brother Tom Cordonnier.

Ken was a 1955 graduate of Russia High School and a graduate of the University of Dayton. He worked as an engineer at Leland Electrosystems and Piqua Engineering. On the weekends he enjoyed tending bar at Al’s Place in Fort Loramie, where he was affectionately known as “Sunshine”. He later worked at the Village Market and Deli in New Knoxville .

Ken enjoyed working in his yard, reading, sports and spending time with his family. He was a star basketball player during his high school days in Russia and still holds the record for most career free throws made and is third in most career points scored. He was a member of St.Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Newport and attended the First United Church of Christ in New Knoxville with his wife. He helped establish and coach Newport Little League Baseball in the late 1960’s and early 70’s. He was a member of the Minster Eagles and Celina Moose.

Funeral rites will be held 10:30 A.M. Wednesday, December 29, 2010, at the First United Church of Christ in New Knoxville, the Reverend David Williams and Father Anthony Cutcher, con-celebrants. Burial will follow at Pilger Ruhe Cemetery in New Knoxville.

Friends may call from 2-4 and 6-8 P.M. Tuesday in the Heritage Room of the First United Church of Christ, where memorial donations may be directed to the Auglaize County Cancer Association; New Knoxville Fire Department First Responder Team or JTDMH Foundation.

Vornholt-Miller Funeral Home, 200 West Spring Street, New Knoxville, is in charge of the funeral arrangements.