Kenneth Daniel Shively M.D.

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.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation to any of the following organizations in Ken’s memory: Cure Alzheimer’s Fund 34 Washington St., Suite 230 Wellesley Hills, MA 02481 or at www.curealz.org, GRRACE - Golden Retriever Rescue & Community Education www.grrace.org or the Guardian Angel Basset Rescue www.bassetrescue.org.

A gathering and time of sharing visitation will take place on Thursday, July 30, 2026 from 2PM until 5PM at the Swartz Family Community Mortuary and Memorial Center, 300 South U.S. 31 (Morton Street) in Franklin, IN.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.swartzmortuary.com. Information 317-738-0202.

A celebration of life service will be scheduled in LaPorte, IN at a later date.

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