Kenneth D. Pittman
January 30, 1930 ~ February 8, 2010
Pittman, Kenneth D., 80, passed away on February 8, 2010 after a long battle from numerous medical complications. Services will be 10:00 A.M. Thursday, February 11, 2010 at Eastminster Presbyterian Church. Graveside services will follow at the Leanna Cemetery near Chanute, KS. Kenneth was born on January 30, 1930 in Elk City, KS to Art and Ella Pittman. He graduated from Neodesha High School and Chanute Junior College where he played football. On August 17, 1952 he married Barbara Richardson. After graduating, he served in the U.S. Navy until 1955. He then attended Kansas State University graduating with a BS in Electrical Engineering. He worked for Beech/Raytheon Aircraft for 37 years where he traveled the world and managed numerous projects. He was a family man and an avid outdoorsman who loved to hunt, fish, and camp. He was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Barbara; sons, Larry (Susan), of Olathe, Terry (Linda), of Wichita, and Greg (Cheri), of Lubbock, TX; grandchildren, Brett, Trenton, Jason, Corey, Anna, and Ryan; sister, Vinita Thornton (Glenn), of Cherryvale, KS, and a host of family and friends. In lieu of flowers, memorials have been established with the Vasculitis Foundation (Wegeners Disease), P.O. Box 28660, Kansas City, MO, 64188-8660 (www.vasculitisfoundation.org), American Cancer Society, 818 N. Emporia S-100, Wichita, KS, 67214, and Eastminster Presbyterian Church, 1958 N. Webb, Wichita, KS, 67206. He will be greatly missed. Downing Lahey Mortuary East.
Graveside services will follow at the Leanna Cemetery near Chanute, KS.






Please accept our deepest condolences for your family’s loss.
Barbara, Jeanie and I just got the word of Ken’s passing. Not only are we shocked, but extremely sad upon getting this news. As you know, I knew Ken back in the 70s when I was stationed at Beech in the USAF and then we came together again in 1992 when we came back to Beech as an employee. That was the year of his retirement as I recall. It gets real personal when you receive news that your dear friends have gone to be with God. But we know he’s in Heaven and doing God’s will. Please accept our sincerest condolences. We know you’re surrounded by a strong family and MANY friends, like the Coughenour’s, who will help you through this saddest of times in your life. Our Prayers and Thoughts are with you. Ed & Jeanie Voorhis
Barbara, Jeanie and I just got the word of Ken’s passing. Not only are we shocked, but extremely sad upon getting this news. As you know, I knew Ken back in the 70s when I was stationed at Beech in the USAF and then we came together again in 1992 when we came back to Beech as an employee. That was the year of his retirement as I recall. It gets real personal when you receive news that your dear friends have gone to be with God. But we know he’s in Heaven and doing God’s will. Please accept our sincerest condolences. We know you’re surrounded by a strong family and MANY friends, like the Coughenour’s who will help you through this saddest of times in your life. Our Prayers and Thoughts are with you. Ed & Jeanie Voorhis
Barbara, Marilyn sent to me the link about Kenny’s death. So sorry to hear this news as Kenny, you and the boys were great neighbors and friends. If I were not in Florida I would be at the services tomorrow. Best wishes and prays for you and the family.
Barbara, I’m so sorry for your loss. I have often thought of ya’all and the years that we lived across the street from you. Mom always lets me know when she has communicated with you and what’s going on with everyone. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Barb, Larry, Terry, Greg & families, I am so sorry for your loss. You guys were such good neighbors over on Rose Lane, that was a long time ago! I remember some pretty good times over there…also remember Ken coming across the street to the rescue. One time in particular, when he responded to a call for help, delivering kittens in our garage. I can only imagine what he was saying when he went back home to you. Again, from my family to yours, condolences.
We are so sorry abour Uncle Ken. We will greatly miss him. He was so much fun. We loved his laugh……..we could always hear it above all of the rest of the family-at Grandma and Grandpas. i always looked forward to his laugh!Our thoughts and Prayers are with you.Dad and Pat always looked forward to Steak Night and the times that he would be down as well as the rest of the family. LOve you!
I fondly remember Ken,Barb and boys and the friendship with our family in the 60’s. Going to the State Fair in 1961 in Ken’s new black 61 Chevrolet and hunting with VB Richardson near Hugoton and the gocart. I have film of some of this. Our hearts go out to Barb and family for the loss of Ken. He was an outstanding man,father and friend.
Barbara, Mom and I send our thoughts and prayers to you and your family. I wish I could bring Mom on Thursday, I know she would really like to come, but work keeps me busy here. Just know that at this time, she is remembering all her times with Kenneth and her other Wiltfong cousins. I know they shared many memories together. All our love, Maxine Davidson, Carrollton MO Jana Davidson Lock, Carrollton MO
I am deeply saddened by the news of Ken’s death. A flood of memories came back to me as I tried to read the obituary. But the one thing I will always remember is his laugh. He had one of the greatest laughs ever. And he made the best beef jerky — men almost came to blows over it. I have worked for many bosses in my years here at Beech, but the years with the dynamic duo of Ken Pittman & Dean Sommers were the best. Please know that I have you all in my thoughts & prayers.
My sympathy and prayers to the family. I worked with Ken at Beech Aircraft for many years. Ken was a very special friend. He will be missed.
MY NAME IS BILL ROBERTS, ROY’S SISTER BEULAH WAS MY MOTHER. PLEASE ACCEPT MY CONDOLENCES TO THE FAMILY AND FRIENDS OF KENNETH. I’M SORRY I DIDN’T KNOW HIM. I WAS WELL ACQUAINTED WITH BILLY, HE AND ANOTHER COUSIN, DICK DYE, EVA WAS ALSO A SISTER OF ROY, AND I RAN AROUND TOGETHER IN WICHITA FOR A WHILE AND THO’T WE HAD A GREAT TIME. AGAIN I’M SORRY ABOUT KENNETHS DEATH.
That is a very nice picture of Uncle Cousin Ken.He always was winking.May he rest now.We are terribly sorry that he had to be so sick for so long.
I am so sorry to hear about Ken’s passing. My father, J R Ball worked with Ken for years.
Fair winds and following seas sailor. “Boatswain… Standby to pipe the side… Shipmate’s going Ashore…” Thank you Kenneth for your service to this nation. U.S. Navy.