Kenneth Keller

Kenneth A. Keller, age 92, of Garnett, Kansas, passed away on Monday, December 19, 2011, at Golden Heights in Garnett. Kenny was born on May 26, 1919, in Weston, Missouri, the son of Fred Keller and Ruby (Osborne) Keller. He grew up in Weston, moving to Olathe during his teenage years. He was a World War II veteran serving in the Calvary in the U.S. Army. Kenny was injured while serving in the Pacific Theatre, and received a Purple Heart. Kenny was united in marriage to Elva Rose McKinney on June 22, 1944, in Lawrence, Kansas. They lived in Linwood, later moving to Olathe in 1956. Elva Rose passed away on August 5, 1967. While living in Linwood, Kenny worked in Lawrence at Mills Garage as a mechanic. He later worked at Harrelson's Auto Parts and White's Auto Parts, both in Olathe, as a machinist. He married Wilma Mendenhall on April 6, 1968. Following his retirement they moved to Garnett in 1998. He enjoyed, cooking, repairing his family's vehicles, fishing and traveling. He also enjoyed his time working on his small farm in Olathe. One of his joys was the time spent camping, including trips to Noel, Missouri, Canada, Texas and Mexico, but above all he enjoyed being a grandpa to his grandkids. Kenny was preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Ruby Keller; his wife Elva Rose Keller; and two brothers, Richard and Marion "Toby" Keller. He is survived by his wife, Wilma; two daughters, Carol Rose Johnson and husband David of Everett, Washington and Janet Sue Deckard of Lenexa, Kansas; one step-son, Payne Mendenhall and wife Yolanda of Overland Park, Kansas; four step-daughters, Carolyn Collier of Overland Park, Kansas, Karen Showalter and husband Jerry of Garnett, Kansas, Sharon Stearns of Warsaw, Missouri, Marilyn Kelly of Topeka, Kansas; 11 grandchildren; several great-grandchildren; one brother, Delbert "Corky" Keller of Spring Hill, Kansas. Funeral services were held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, December 23, 2011, at the Feuerborn Family Funeral Service Chapel in Garnett, Kansas. Burial followed at 2:00 p.m. at the Mt. Sidney Cemetery in Linwood, Kansas. Family greeted friends from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday evening at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to Golden Heights Living Center.