Kenneth Daniel “Ken” Shively, M.D., 85, passed away on July 24, 2026, surrounded by his family in Franklin, Indiana.
A lifelong Hoosier, Ken was born in Rossville, Indiana, on December 1, 1940, to Elmer Daniel Shively and Mary Elizabeth (Yoder) Shively. His father was a sharecropper, and Ken spent the first 16 years of his life working the farm alongside his 9 older siblings. He had fond memories of his draft horses, Dan & Fred, and his dog, Brownie. At 16, Ken left home with a desire to further his education. He tackled many obstacles in order to graduate high school at 21 and decided to attend Indiana University. He then attended Indiana University’s School of Medicine to become a physician, graduating in 1971. In 1968, while practicing eye exams at Community Hospital, Ken met a young physical therapist, Patty Todd. After the exam, he realized he only had eyes for her. They got married in 1969 and had been together for 56 years at the time of his death.
His medical degree eventually took him to La Porte, Indiana, where he joined his medical school classmate and friend, Dr. Charles Hagenow, in opening Maple City Family Practice. Over the course of his 40 years as a doctor with Maple City, Ken treated multiple generations, from delivering babies to making rounds at the nursing homes. He was beloved by his patients and co-workers alike.
Ken’s impact on the La Porte community was felt through more than just his medical practice. He spent many years working with Pioneer Land at the La Porte County Fair, as well as a long tenure playing Santa during pet photos for the La Porte County Small Animal Shelter.
Ken is survived by his loving wife, Patty K. (Todd) Shively of Franklin, IN, his daughter Amber Wilson-Barnard (Nick) of Wilmington, NC, his son Brent Shively (Amanda) of Indianapolis, IN, and his three grandchildren, Janelle, Wyatt & Scarlet, whom he adored. He is also survived by his golden retriever, Betsy, who is the best girl and brought him much joy, comfort and love in his final years.
He was preceded in death by his parents Elmer Daniel Shively and Mary Elizabeth (Yoder) Shively, his siblings Clarence Robert Shively, Glen Jacob Shively, Marie Annabelle Blocher Baker, Alvin Shively, Elsie Catherine Shuck, Dorothy Fay Metzger, Doris May Callaway, Dr. Jesse Elmer Shively and Leona Linnie Skiles.
Summarizing over 85 years of life in a few brief paragraphs is impossible. But anyone who had the privilege of knowing Ken Shively will remember his humility, intellect, wit, empathy, generosity and determination. He overcame many struggles in his life and the last few years were some of the most challenging. Those who loved him can take comfort in knowing he has no more mountains to climb and he’s found the green, green grass of home.
Please Join us to celebrate Ken. Rather than a formal or somber gathering, we want this to be a fun and relaxed celebration of Ken’s life. Please come as you are, share your favorite stories and memories, laugh with us, and help us remember the many good times and lives Ken touched. In honor of two things Ken loved, we encourage everyone to wear their favorite Indiana University or John Deere clothing, cream and crimson or green and yellow—either would make Ken smile, on Saturday, September 19, 2026, 1:00–5:00 p.m., CDT, at The Lodge at Rush Lake, 433 West US 20, La Porte, IN 46350
