Long-time Benkelman Doctor Kenneth C. Stout dies at 97

Friday, July 22, 2016
Kenneth C. Stout, M.D.

BENKELMAN, Neb. -- One of this region's -- if not this nation's -- last true 'country docs,' Kenneth C. Stout, M.D., passed from this earthly existence Thursday afternoon, expiring peacefully at the Dundy County Hospital in Benkelman, the place that had been his home for the final years of his life.

Doc Stout, as he was known by thousands in the Benkelman area, was 97 years of age. His life was not only long ... it was legendary.

Richard Bartholomew, Doc Stout's friend and late-life confidante, spoke for the Benkelman community when he said, "I have known Dr. Kenneth Stout, professionally and personally, since 1978, many years less than others of this area of Southwest Nebraska, Northwest Kansas and Northeast Colorado. Dr. Stout was one of the last 'country doctors' who made house calls, worked weekdays, weekends, holidays -- and nights -- in his vision to help others. During his years of practice, Dr. Stout had a lasting impact on the health care delivery system of this area and has provided financial support to many organizations, projects and events."

Originally from the Oxford area, Dr. Stout saved money while he was in the military to finance his medical education at the University of Nebraska medical school. After getting his medical degree he headed for Benkelman, arriving in 1955. He started with Doctor Morehouse at the old Benkelman Hospital, then -- five years later -- went on his own, opening a clinic on Chief Street in Benkelman. Joining him there -- and staying with him until the end of his days -- was Joan (Kempter) Barker Vontz.

"I was his 'Girl Friday,'" said Joan, who stayed with the iconic physician every step of the way, stopping by the hospital two times a day in Dr. Stout's final years to help feed him and help tend to his needs.

Doc Stout, who never married, amassed a fortune through timely investments in Chrysler and other stocks. Before he passed he gave $4 million to the University of Nebraska and a million to the Nebraska public television system.

He also built a grand house -- probably worth most of a million dollars or more -- but, according to Joan -- he never slept in it a single night, preferring only to admire it as a mark of his earthly accomplishments. He once told Joan, "No one in Oxford thought I would ever amount to anything. I showed them, though," he said, pointing to the house made of Kentucky marble as an example of his success.

Survivors include a brother in California and several nieces living in various places. "One of the nieces came twice a year to see him. She's here now, and will help me with final arrangements," Joan said.

Rita Jones, the administrator of Dundy County Hospital, spoke of Doc Stout with great affection when she said, "Doc Stout took great care of the community for years and our staff had the privilege of taking care of him for years."

Doc Stout was diagnosed with pancreatitis a decade ago, and -- about the time he turned 90 -- Joan said specialists from Denver sent him home to die. But -- as he had done throughout his life -- Doc Stout fooled them, living another seven years before finally fading away, a faithful servant until the end.

Without him, Benkelman, Dundy County and the tri-state region will go forward, coping as best they can, but there will be a big void in their hearts and minds, left there by the passing of a true American Icon: Kenneth C. Stout, M.D., country doctor extraordinaire.

Services will be h10:30 a.m. MDT Tuesday at Zion Lutheran Church of Benkelman, with the Rev. Marcine Farmer officiating

Visitation will be 2-6 p.m. MDT Monday, July 25, at the Zion Lutheran Church of Benkelman

Interment will follow 10:30 a.m. CDT Wednesday July 27 at the Oxford Cemetery in Oxford, Neb.

Benkelman Memorial Chapel is in charge of arrangements.

Respond to this story

Posting a comment requires free registration: