Rev. Kenneth Wayne Short
December 31, 1932 ~ December 10, 2018
Rev. Kenneth Wayne Short, 85, of Wichita, KS, died Monday, Dec. 10, surrounded by family. Ken was born in Wichita to Chester and Mildred (Kepple) Short on Dec. 31, 1932. He always said everybody celebrated on his birthday. He was a proud graduate of East High, attended Friends University, graduated from Southwestern College, and received his Master of Divinity from Southern Methodist University. For 37 years he served United Methodist churches in Kansas, including Norwich, Tribune, Salina, Newton, and Wichita, where he served three churches. He was involved in all of the communities he served. In Salina he was active in community theater and in the business community. In Wichita, he helped organize Senior Services, Rainbows United, and Us Too Prostate Cancer Survivors Support Group, and was active in Rotary, University Club, and other organizations. He enjoyed sailing and loved to travel, and planned many memorable family vacations. He was the founder of Ken’s Chili Seasoning, a fixture at the Kansas State Fair for 34 years, now run by a granddaughter. Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Melvin Short (Gloria), and his great-granddaughter, Piper Jean Crain. He is survived by his beloved wife of 60 years, Lois (Fieser) Short; sister, Janet Hopkins (Jarold); daughters, Debra Seely (David), Jan Short, and Lisa Smading (Daniel); grandchildren, Michael Seely (Michael Patch), Elise Crain (Nicholas), Matthew Seely, Drew Smading, Aubrey Smading, and Paige Smading; great-grandson, Aydon Crain; and beloved in-laws, nieces, and nephews, all of whom will miss his smile, his hugs, and his sense of humor. Visitation 3:30-5:30 Friday, Dec. 14, Downing & Lahey East Mortuary. Funeral Service Saturday, Dec. 15, 10 a.m., First United Methodist Church, 330 N. Broadway. Family will receive guests in the church parlor before the service. Burial at Upchurch Cemetery, Norwich, KS, at 12:15. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Southwestern College, 100 College St., Winfield 67156-2499; and First United Methodist Church, 330 N. Broadway St., Wichita, KS 67202.
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May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Dear Aunt Lois and Family, thank you for sharing so many wonderful memories with my family over the years. Your home in Wichita and our large family gatherings at the girls homes will be with me always. Uncle Ken was a kind and joyful man. Im blessed to have know him and to have been a part of the Short legacy! Praying for you as you grieve this heavy loss.
Martha and I send our condolences in the loss our beloved friend.
Ken was a dear friend and colleague, who served as a mentor and true inspiration for my ministry. Yes, he will be missed, but long remembered for his fidelity to God and all of Gods People… We pledge our continued healing prayers for his beloved family in this time of loss, in addition to the many Prayers of Thanksgiving for the gift he was and will always be for all of us+++
Dear Friends,
I was saddened to learn of Kens passing. He was such a nice man and was a joy to know. You will be in my thoughts and prayers.
We are so sorry to hear of Kens passing. He was my mother-in-law, Doris Mae Fieser Johnsons cousin and he married my husband, Leslie and me 45 years ago on August 25, 1973 at Doris and Dwaynes home. He was such a nice man. Again, our condolences to his family.
Sending my condolences for your loss. Ken was a valued member of our Board at the Counseling and Mediation Center. He was always a calm guiding force. Sending my love and prayers to your family.
Lois & family. Please accept my condolences. Ken was a guiding light for Donna and I in Norwich and Salina. God bless and be with each of you.
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family’s loss.