The legacy of Kenneth Estep

Seneca County says a grateful goodbye to Kenneth Estep

By Sheri Trusty

Seneca County has lost one of its most supportive friends. Former county commissioner, Kenneth Estep, died at the age of 86 on Oct. 23. He left behind a grateful community that mourns him and a legacy that will impact generations to come.

Estep, a 1955 Old Fort High School graduate, was a lifelong farmer and military veteran. He enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1956 and achieved the rank of CW4 Commission to Warrant Officer. He continued his service in the Army Reserves with the Tiffin and Fremont units and the Toledo USAR School #2087. He has been married to his wife, Marietta, since 1972.

As a Seneca County Commissioner, Estep was instrumental in the construction of the Seneca Jail, CROSSWAEH, and the Washington Street, Market Street, Perry Street and Old Fort bridges. In addition to his work with the county, Estep also served as a Clinton Township Trustee and was the last surviving, original member of the Clinton Township Volunteer Fire Department. He was a member of the Tiffin Farmers Co-Op Board of Directors and was an original founding member of Morrison Lake, where generations of families have made memories as they fished, swam and picnicked on grounds.

Estep’s service reached across the county as he volunteered with the Masonic Lodge, Union Grange, Boy Scouts, Izaak Walton League, Scottish Rite Association, Seneca County Farm Bureau and the Reserve Officers Association. He was recently named an honorary member of the Seneca County Trustees and Clerks Association.

The Seneca County Commissioners observed a moment of silence in Estep’s honor at the beginning of the Oct. 26 commissioners’ meeting, and they shared with the group their memories of Estep and the impact he had on the community.

“I was truly blessed when he endorsed me to run for county commissioner,” Commissioner Bill Frankart said. “When you look at Kenny’s accomplishments, he really was a dedicated servant to the community.”