Kenneth Eugene Hunter

Kenneth Eugene Hunter was born on October 24, 1927 in Parsons, Kansas to Homer and Winifred (Williams) Hunter. Due to complications at birth, the doctor did not think that Ken would survive so he didn’t record the birth. Ken was a junior in high school before he obtained a birth certificate by presenting his grandmother’s Bible records, his school records and church records. His family moved a great deal so he attended grade school in many places including Union, NE, Parsons, KS and Labette, KS before attending High School in Coffeyville, KS. Ken was drafted during World War II but wanted more control so he enlisted in the Army. He served his basic training at Camp Plushey in New Orleans, then to Camp Stoneman in Pittsburg, California for overseas training. He was packed and ready to get on the ship when they discovered that his records were lost. He was forced to stay at Camp Stoneman then sent to Fort Mason in San Francisco where he learned to help with customs and was a guard on a Merchant Marine ship. He later transferred to the 102nd Machines Record Unit at the Presidio in San Francisco. Ken spent a total of 18 months and 23 days in the United States Army. He later learned to fly on the GI Bill. Ken married Helen "Sue" Ward on June 17, 1951 at the Methodist Church in Kennard, Nebraska. Ken did not earn his high school diploma prior to joining the military because he was one history class short. After marrying Sue, Kenny took his last history class from Sue's Aunt Helen and earned his high school diploma from Altamont High School. Ken and Sue were then blessed with three daughters: Karen Elizabeth, Kathryn Ellen and Kristine Emilie. Ken has worked at the shipyards in Richmond, California, Behlens in Columbus, Nebraska, Blair Gas Company, owned Berry’s Grocery store and owned Kremer Funeral Home. He was very active in his community, serving on the fire department, rescue squad as an EMT, school board, Town Board, Masonic Lodge and Eastern Star. In his spare time, Ken enjoyed boating, gardening, and camping. Ken passed away suddenly on Tuesday, September 25, 2012 while doing yard work in Kennard, Nebraska at the age of 84 years, 11 months and 1 day. He was preceded in death by his parents Homer and Winifred, wife Helen, daughter Karen and brother William. Ken is survived by his daughters and sons-in-law Kathryn and Larry Lumpkin of Elkhorn and Kristine and Dave Warren of Kennard, NE; 8 grandchildren Tina and Warren Kittle, Paul and Ann Morrison, Timothy Cummings, Patrick Cummings, Erik and Sherisa Lumpkin, Katrina and Matthew Stoffel, Kristopher Warren and Matthew Warren and 11 great grandchildren; Elizabeth, "Betsy" Morrison, Zachary Morrison, Lucas Morrison, Charlotte Kittle, Griffin Kittle, Graeme Kittle, Hunter Stoffel, Carlee Warren, Noah Warren, Rhen Cummings, and Evelyn Cummings; sister-in-law Madeline Ward of Omaha, Nebraska. Hunter, Kenneth age 84 of Kennard, NE Survived by daughters and sons-in-law Kathryn and Larry Lumpkin of Elkhorn and Kristine and Dave Warren of Kennard, NE; 8 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren; visitation Friday 2 PM to 8 PM with family receiving friends from 6 to 8 PM at the funeral home. Funeral Saturday 10:30 AM at Grace Methodist Church in Kennard; Interment Kennard Cemetery; Memorials to the church; condolences to www.reichmuthfuneralhomes.com Reichmuth Funeral Home 21901 W. Maple Rd. 402-289-2222

Kenneth Eugene Hunter

October 24, 1927 - September 25, 2012