Kenneth George Ainsworth passed away at 102 in his sleep on Nov 12, 2025, in Athens, Georgia.
Ken (Bud) Ainsworth, born July 13, 1923, the oldest of nine children, was born and raised on his parents’ dairy farm near Shawano. After serving as a meteorologist in the Army Air Corps during World War II, he attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison (bachelor of arts in 1948 and master’s degree in 1949) and went on to earn a Ph.D. in economics from Brown University in 1957. While at Madison he met his future wife, Audrey Lacroix.
They were married for 65 years until her death in 2016.
Ken Ainsworth taught economics at Bowdin College for several years before joining the faculty of Allegheny College, where he stayed for over 30 years. During his tenure at Allegheny, he spent two years as an economist with the U.S. Congressional Committee on Judiciary analyzing tax law. He also consulted for Alaska, New York City and the U.S. Advisory Commission on Intergovernmental Relations.
Upon retiring from Allegheny College, he and Audrey enjoyed a 25-year retirement on Cape Cod in Massachusetts. After his wife’s death, Ken split his time between Athens, Georgia, and Cape Cod.
Kenneth George Ainsworth is survived by his children, Thomas Ainsworth (Paula Davidson) of Burke, Virginia; Leslie Dakik (Ali Dakik) of Beirut, Lebanon, and Scott Ainsworth (Susan Nees) of Athens, Georgia; his nine grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. He is survived by five siblings, Phyllis Ward, Crystal Sandmire, Peetie Buchner, John Ainsworth and Pat (Tim) McGuire.
He was predeceased by brothers. Gordon (Margie) Ainsworth and Vernon (Betty) Ainsworth; sister, Peggy (John) Bastar; and in-laws, Dan Ward, Herb Sandmire, Bob Buchner and Margie Ainsworth.
In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Kenneth Geoerge Ainsworth may be made to the Shawano County Library, 128 S. Sawyer St., Shawano, WI 54166, or the Eastham Public Library, 190 Samoset Road, Eastham, MA 02642.
Lord and Stephens Funeral Homes, East, Athens, Georgia, is assisting the family with the arrangements.
www.lordandstephens.com
