Kenneth Wayne Canada

Kenneth Canada, 78, of Columbia, MO passed away Tuesday, March 24, 2026, in Columbia. Family and friends may gather 10-11am, Wednesday, April 8, 2026, at Memorial Funeral Home 1217 Business Loop 70 W Columbia Missouri 65202. Memorial service will follow at 11am. There will be a reception at Logboat Brewery 504 Fay Street Columbia Missouri 65201 at 12:00pm.

Ken was born June 19, 1947, in San Angelo, TX to Travis and Bernice Canada and was a 1965 graduate of Central High School in San Angleo. He served in the US Navy and then in the US Army Reserves for over 20 years before his honorable discharge in 1991. He also spent a short time in the Marine Corps. He married his high school sweetheart, Dianna Whitman, on May 18, 1967, in San Angelo, TX. Together, they moved to Milton, Florida where he worked as a dental technician assistant at Whiting Air Force base. They returned to Texas 2 years later to complete his training as a Maxillofacial Dental technician. In 1972, they relocated to Columbia where he worked at Ellis Fischel Cancer Hospital until he opened his own practice, Green Meadows Dental Lab. Ken excelled at his craft and truly enjoyed helping others. Oftentimes he would help those less fortunate as he believed a new smile brings confidence and new opportunities. Ken always had a smile on his own face and believed in helping his fellow man.

Ken was an avid hunter and outdoorsman. He believed in conservation and educating the youth in regard to hunting and gun safety. Most weekends were filled with gun shows, hunting trips, or taking family and friends to Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation banquets. Ken was the Regional Director of RMEF for many years and was an advocate and instrumental in the reintroduction of elk into Missouri.

His favorite time of year came in late October when he traveled to Colorado for his annual elk hunting camp. Started by Ken and his brother Rick, to honor their late father, the camp grew each year in size and enjoyment. Ken was always excited about the hunt but more so the camaraderie they experienced. He also enjoyed the title of camp cook and would plan meals for weeks leading up to the trip.

Feeding large crowds would be a common theme throughout Ken's life. With the guidance of Dianna and help from his kids, he spearheaded many meals for RMEF, charity functions, youth sports fundraisers, and personal events for friends and family. Ever ready to help, he always came with his Texas-sized cast iron skillet and a smile.

Ken also had a passion for sports. He played football as a Central High Bobcat and then proceeded to coach all of his children and grandchildren's sporting activities. He was involved in the Columbia Youth Football League for over 20 years. He not only coached his son, but coached with him and eventually against him. He spent a time as president but was happy to step away to make room for other dads to participate.

Ken believed in community, hard work, hard play, his country, his family, and his friends. He belly-laughed every day and never met a stranger. And even though he left San Angelo more than 50 years ago, his home, full of love and laughter, has always been a little piece of Texas in Missouri.

He is survived by his wife, Dianna Canada; children, Mandi Canada (Michael Leahy), Kristopher Canada, and Hayden Canada all of Columbia; grandchildren, Olivia Leahy and Wyatt Canada; a brother, Rick (Jan) Canada of San Angelo, TX; nieces, nephews and a loving extended family, his beloved dog Buddy, and many dear friends. He was preceded in death by a sister, Becky Cleveland, infant twin siblings, Mary & Gary, and by his parents.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Food Bank of Central and NE Missouri or to the charity of your choice.

Condolences and fond memories can be shared at www.memorialfuneralhomeandcemetery.com