Kenneth Jordan Sr.

Deacon Kenneth Jordan Sr., 62, of Dayton, Ohio, was called home to be in the presence of our Lord on February 27, 2025. 

Born on July 16, 1962, in Dayton, Ohio, to the late Roy E. and Shirley (Thompson) Jordan, Kenneth lived a life rooted in faith, dedication, and service to God. He accepted Christ as his personal Savior, was baptized, and received the Holy Ghost early in life. A devoted and active member of Mt. Zion A.O.H. Church of God for over 40 years, he served in many roles, including Chairman of the Deacon Board and Chairman of the Trustee Board, remaining steadfast in his commitment to the church. His love for God’s work was unwavering, genuine, and heartfelt, and he touched countless lives with his kindness and servant’s heart. 

Kenneth was a proud graduate of Patterson Co-op High School, Class of 1980. After graduation, he enlisted in the United States Air Force. He served his country honorably and was discharged with the rank of Airman First Class in 1992. His military service, along with his education at Bowling Green State University, instilled in him a deep sense of perseverance and dedication. 

On August 29, 1981, Kenneth married the love of his life, Sheila Napier. From their union was born a daughter, Kendra, and son, Kenneth II.

Kenneth began his career with the U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Southern District of Ohio, on May 4, 1981 in the Clerk’s Office in Dayton.  He started in the basement mailroom and worked his way up.  He held positions as a Deputy Clerk, Administrative Supervisor, and Operations Supervisor. In 1994, he was promoted to Deputy in Charge in Cincinnati, OH. His exemplary leadership led to his historic appointment in 2007 as the first African American male to serve as Clerk of Court for the Southern District of Ohio, a position he was sworn into by Chief Judge J. Vincent Aug, Jr. Overseeing operations in Cincinnati, Dayton, and Columbus, Kenneth led with integrity, respect, and compassion. His leadership was marked by kindness and a deep commitment to his staff. After 36 years of dedicated service, he retired on August 1, 2017. 

Kenneth was preceded in death by his parents, Roy and Shirley (Thompson) Jordan; parents-in-love, Rev. James and Joann Napier; brothers, Ernest Jordan and Curtis Jordan; sister, Jackie Jordan-Caver; and brothers-in-love, Michael J. Brown, Lee Arthur Powe, and James Napier II. 

He leaves behind a legacy of love and faith, cherished by his devoted wife of 43 years, Sheila; his daughter and son-in-love, Kendra and Melvin S. Williams; his son and daughter-in-love, Kenneth and Dominique Jordan II; and his treasured grandchildren, Melvin Kenneth Williams, Kennadi Jordan, and Kenneth Jordan III. 

Also mourning his loss are his siblings: Cynthia Jordan-Brown, Michael (Sonia) Jordan, Teresa (William) Jordan-Younger, Roy (Anneitta) Muhammed, Shirley (Dwayne) Bickham, and Billie Powe of Waynesboro, Mississippi; his sisters-in-love, Patricia Wright, Glenda Napier, and Joyce Napier; brothers-in-love, Bryan (Tonya) Hinesmon, and Eugene Schooler; and special friends, Rev. Bertram and Brenda Knight, Rev. Gregory and Judy Parker, Archie and Diane Young, Curtis Parrish, and Earl and Vanessa Hendricks. A host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, god-children, family friends, and his beloved church family will continue to honor his memory. 

Funeral service 11 am Thursday, March 13, 2025 at Mt. Zion AOH Church of God, 12 College St., Dayton, OH. Visitation 10 am- 11 am at which time family will receive friends.  Interment Woodland Cemetery.  Arrangements entrusted to House of Wheat Funeral Home.

May Kenneth’s legacy of faith, love, and kindness bring comfort to all who mourn his passing. 

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