Kenneth Eugene Howard, age 81, of WaKeeney, passed away Sunday, January 3, 2016 at Trego Manor, WaKeeney. He was born July 6, 1934 in Ness City, to John Donald and Agnes (Burling) Howard. He was raised near Utica. Kenneth married Barbara Rohr at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Park on August 25, 1952.
Kenneth worked as a farm hand for Doyle Schoen near Lenora for several years, then as a cattle foreman at Pioneer Feed Lot in Oakley, before moving to Gove in 1980, where he became Gove County Road and Bridge Supervisor for 18 years. He was a member of Christ the King Catholic Church in WaKeeney, and was a past member of the Order of the Oddfellows in Gove. His health forced him to retire in December of 2000. Kenneth and Barbara then moved to WaKeeney, where they remained until his passing.
Kenneth loved working with cattle and horses. In his younger days, he enjoyed racing horses. He loved his animals, and enjoyed coon hunting with his son and grandsons. He cherished his time spent with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and was known for his ornery teasing.
He leaves to mourn his passing, his wife of the family home; three sons, Fred (Melinda) Howard of Grainfield, Ted (Darcy) Howard of Oakley, and John (Linda) Howard of WaKeeney; a daughter, Collette Buchholz of Ellis; fifteen grandchildren, Amy (Clint) Gibson of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, Amanda (Jerry) Gallentine of Grainfield, Dr. Kristy (Jason) Booker of Oakley, JD Draper of Oaklay, Ron (Whitney) Nieman of Colwich, Denny (Traci) Nieman of Gem, Mindy (Parker) Christensen of Rexford, Julie (Warren) Ziegelmeier of Gem, Greg (Ericka) Nieman of Edmond, Oklahoma, Johnny (Jessica) Howard of WaKeeney, Jay Dee (Veronica) Howard of Commerce City, Colorado, Dewey (Amy) Howard of WaKeeney, and Cody Howard of WaKeeney, Tracy (Jessica) Buchholz of Ogallah, and Scotty (Christina) Buchholz of Ellis; thirty two great-grandchildren; a brother, Donald “Dee Dee” (Ruth) Howard of Utica; many nieces and nephews; and many, many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; two grandsons, Travis Eugene Howard and Kenneth John Howard; and two brothers, Bill and Russell.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m., Thursday, January 7, 2016 at Christ the King Catholic Church, WaKeeney. Burial will be in the church cemetery.
Visitation will be Wednesday, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home in WaKeeney. A parish vigil service will follow at 7:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to Kenneth Howard Memorial Fund. Checks made to the fund can be sent to Schmitt Funeral Home, 336 North 12th, WaKeeney, KS 67672.
Condolences may be left at www.schmittfuneral.com.