A Life Well-Lived Pointing People to the Creator: Honoring Dr. Ken Funk
It was the spring of 2019, and I was leading a tour at Desert View Watchtower—standing at the edge of the Grand Canyon, pointing out the beauty stretching beyond the rim to the Painted Desert. As I spoke to the group, a man walked right up, extended his hand, and with a firm shake said, “Hi, Ken Funk.”
Though we had never met, he already knew who I was—and more importantly, what Canyon Ministries was about. That moment marked the beginning of a meaningful friendship and a partnership that would grow to bless many others.
Dr. Kenneth (Ken) Funk passed away recently, and with his passing, the world lost a quiet giant of biblical creation ministry. I’ve been reflecting on the countless ways he served others—not for applause, but out of a deep love for the Creator and a conviction that His Word is true from the very first verse.
Over the years, Ken became a great friend to me personally and a faithful supporter of our work at Canyon Ministries. He was especially passionate about our Christian Leaders Trip, not only believing in its impact but committing financially to help make it a reality for many who would not have otherwise been able to attend. His support helped open the canyon—not just physically but spiritually—for dozens of theologians, teachers, and ministry leaders.
But Ken’s influence extended far beyond Arizona. In the Chicago area, he helped lead the Midwest Creation Fellowship (MCF), tirelessly organizing events, coordinating speakers, and encouraging others to boldly stand on the authority of God’s Word. He was a connector, an encourager, and often the one helping foot the bill behind the scenes—never asking for recognition, just faithfully supporting the mission.
I had the privilege of speaking for MCF multiple times, and those trips have become some of my favorite memories in ministry. Ken and I shared hours together driving to and from meetings while having deep, meaningful conversations—conversations about Scripture, science, and the joy of seeing people’s eyes light up when they begin to understand the connection between the Bible and the world around them.
The last time I was in Chicago, we sat down for a meal and shared over an hour of encouraging conversation. That meeting, like so many before it, reminded me of the strength of conviction and humility Ken carried with him everywhere he went. He was a champion of creation science—not just in word, but in action, empowering researchers, speakers, and ministries all across the country.
Through his efforts, I was able to speak not only at MCF’s three locations, but it also opened up doors at Wheaton College, Quentin Road Baptist Church, and even in leading a biblical archaeology tour through the University of Chicago’s Oriental Institute. All told, those engagements allowed us to share the message of the Grand Canyon and biblical creation with over 1,000 people in the Chicago area—doors that were opened because Ken walked through them first and invited others to follow.
And I know I’m just one story among many. Countless others have been brought in to speak at MCF, their way made possible because Ken quietly helped cover travel expenses and made the arrangements—never for credit, but for the cause of Christ.
Ken Funk’s life was marked by faithfulness, generosity, and a deep reverence for the truth of Scripture. His years of service to the Gospel and to biblical authority are likely far more expansive than any of us will ever fully realize. But the impact is real. The fruit is eternal.
I will miss those conversations. I’ll miss the sound of Ken’s voice on the phone, his excitement about new ideas and events, and his unwavering encouragement.
But I know this—Ken is now with the Creator he worked so diligently to point others toward. And I can only imagine the joy he now experiences, seeing face to face the One who formed the canyon, the stars, and every fossil we’ve ever discussed.
Well done, Ken. You finished well.
