SABETHA (KSNT) – A northeast Kansas family and members of the Sabetha community are in mourning this week after the death of a local 17-year-old high school student.
The Nemaha County Sheriff’s Office reported on Nov. 15 that a single-vehicle crash just west of Sabetha had resulted in the death of Kenton Farwell, a senior at Sabetha High School. Now, friends, family and others are voicing their sorrow at his sudden passing.
“I regret to inform you all that last night Sabetha High School senior Kenton Farwell lost his life in an automobile accident. Our crisis team is meeting to review our plan and ensure we are being sensitive to the family’s needs while providing what we need for our students as well. We have been in communication with the family. In support of our students, staff, and families, there will be a gathering at The Building, 1005 Main Street, Sabetha, at 1:00 today and a Holy Hour & Rosary will be offered for Kenton at 3:00 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 1031 S. 12th Street, Sabetha. As more relevant information becomes available, we will relay that on to you.”
USD 113 Superintendent Rob McKim statement
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Leighanne Farwell, mother of Kenton Farwell, said her family has felt an outpouring of support from the local community in the wake of her son’s death. She took to social media to thank the community for its help.
“To all those who have stopped by, brought food, or reached out to us. We feel God’s love through all of you. Kenton was an amazing young man who knew no stranger. He loved life, the outdoors, his family and friends with a passion. He had so many amazing people in his life that helped mold him into the amazing man he was. The pain is unbearable for us left on earth, but we rejoice that we can have peace celebrating that he is with Jesus. Hold your kids tight. Kids, hold your parents. Most of all, hold on to Jesus. We love you all.”
Farwell family social media statement

(Photo Courtesy/Emmie Mae Photography)

(Photo Courtesy/Emmie Mae Photography)

(Photo Courtesy/Emmie Mae Photography)
Kenton Farwell was a senior at Sabetha High School and had aspirations of attending classes at Kansas State University for engineering. Leighanne Farwell said her son had worked at KSi Conveyors in Sabetha since he was 14 which sparked his interest in mechanical engineering.
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Debbie Grigsby, co-owner of Custom Life Co. in Sabetha, started a fundraiser to help the Farwell family by offering products for sale that reflect who Kenton Farwell was in life. These include a hat, shirt and hoodie that evoke his passion for hunting and his religious beliefs.
Grigsby is a friend of the Farwell family. She described the loss of Kenton Farwell as “gut-wrenching.”
“There’s a huge community standing behind them [the Farwell family],” Grigsby said.
You can purchase one of the products made by Custom Life Co. by clicking here. You can also make donations to a GoFundMe for Kenton Farwell by clicking here.
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