Kenneth Richard McCammon

Kenneth “Ken” Richard McCammon, 74, of Lafayette, Indiana, passed away unexpectedly on March 6, 2026. Born on December 8, 1951, in Mineola, New York, to Frederick and Joyce (LeBlanc) McCammon, Ken grew up on Long Island and graduated from Great Neck North High School in 1969. He went on to earn a doctorate in Plant Breeding and Genetics from Michigan State University, launching a distinguished career as a plant breeder and agricultural geneticist. He created and expanded vegetable varieties for major producers worldwide, working with Sunseeds, Burpee Vegetables, and retiring from Bejo Seeds as a crop consultant.

On December 20, 2013, Ken married Debra Kneal in Lafayette, who survives him. His deep love for plants and community led him to become instrumental in the GrowLocal Lafayette project, helping establish its 28 community gardens and introducing elementary students to the joys of growing food. His passion for peppers inspired him to found Long and Sweet, LLC and develop the Bellanaro Pepper. Ken was also a dedicated advocate for downtown Lafayette, serving as a member of the Historic Centennial Neighborhood Association and as an active member and past president of Friends of Downtown. He played key roles in creating Mosey Down Main Street, Beers Across the Wabash, and numerous other local entertainment events, while coordinating the Christmas Day Dinner Program for more than thirty years.

Ken had a lifelong connection to soccer, first as a player and later as a coach, mentor, and referee. In his later years he remained an enthusiastic armchair referee for soccer, football, and basketball, offering his opinions with characteristic volume and conviction.

He is survived by his wife, Debra Kneal of Lafayette; daughters Margaret “Mollie” (Derek) Triplett of Mustang, Oklahoma, and Colleen McCammon of Fort Worth, Texas; stepson Jason Hurlock of Marion, Indiana; brother Frederick “Freddie” McCammon, Jr. of Baton Rouge, Louisiana; granddaughter Sarah (Matt) Tatum; and four grand dogs.