Kenneth L. Martin
July 5, 1935 ~ December 29, 2023
Kenneth L. Martin, 88, died Friday, December 29, 2023. The funeral service will be at 10:00 am, Thursday, January 4, 2024, at Riverlawn Christian Church.
Ken was born on July 5, 1935, on a southern Kansas wheat and beef cattle farm near Freeport, KS. Ken graduated from Argonia High School in 1953. He worked for a year as a mechanic at Farmers Supply in Argonia, KS, before attending Friends University from 1954-1956. At Friends University, he enjoyed singing with the Singing Quakers as well as playing on the football team. Ken finished his education at the University of Wichita, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration in 1964. During these years, he also served in the United States Marine Corps Reserve.
While at university, Ken was united in marriage to Betty Shreve on April 21, 1962, and they welcomed three children together. They were faithful partners to each other, celebrating 61 years of marriage in 2023.
After graduating from university, Ken worked for Davis Manufacturing (now Case IH) for 33 years, rising to the position of Materials Manager. After he retired in 1997, he earned a real estate license and enjoyed working in real estate with Gene Francis & Associates until 2006. Ken also enjoyed flying small planes, running, and photography.
Ken was a member of West Side Christian Church in Wichita, KS, from 1962-2017, where he served as an elder for many years. In 2017, Ken joined Riverlawn Christian Church. He was also an active member in Bible Study Fellowship.
Ken was preceded in death by his parents, Loyd Albert and Helen Leslie Martin; sister, Norma Jean Meridith; brother, C. Donald Martin.
Ken is survived by his wife, Betty L. Martin; son, Michael (Darla) Martin; daughters, Janis (Joe) Basham, Karen (Kurt) Steinkraus; grandchildren, Kayla (Tyler) Pennick, Austin (Riley) Basham, Chase (Brooklynn) Martin, Braden Martin, Randall Voyles, BriAnn (Casey) Gobel, Peter Steinkraus, Nathan Steinkraus; 10 great-grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, memorials have been established with: Riverlawn Christian Church, 4243 N. Meridian Ave., Wichita, KS 67204 and Alzheimer's Association, Central and Western Kansas Chapter, 535 West Douglas Avenue, Suite 150, Wichita, KS 67213. Services in care of Downing & Lahey Mortuary - West Chapel.
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Ken MartÃn was my brother-in-law. From the moment he started dating m sister, Betty Shreve, I knew he was a winner. Ken was kind, loving, faithful, loyal partner and terrific Dad. He was dedicated to his church. I wish Betty, Mike, Janis and Karen all good memories. I love all of you.