Kenneth C. Havner was born February 14, 1943, in Farmington, MInnesota, and passed away of dementia on February 13, 2022, in Overland Park, Kansas.
During his childhood Ken moved frequently with his family attending many schools experiencing life from the south through the plains states. He later settled in southwest Kansas graduating from Spearville High School in 1961.
Ken went on to serve in the U.S. Army from 1962-1965 serving in Korea. He graduated from Fort Hays State University (1979)recieving the Young Alumni Award in 1982. He accepted a year legislative internship for the Kansas Senate, then graduating from Washburn University School of Law (1972).
In 1975, Ken opened his law practice in Hays, Kansas. He was an active member of the community including Fort Hays State University serving as Chairman of the Alumni Association and Fort Hays State Foundation, the Hays Chamber of Commerce and Optimist Club. He was elected to the Hays City Commission serving 4 years, one of which as Mayor. Ken was later appointed to the Kansas Board of Regents serving 4 years.
Ken is preceded in death by his parents Kenneth and Clare Havner and siblings Barbara Chapman and Jim Havner and in-laws Harold and Yvonne Krueger.
Ken is survived by his wife of 54 years, Sylvia (Krueger) Havner, Overland Park, Kansas. Ken was a loving father being actively involved with the many activities and traveling with his daughters Gretchen Havner (Brian Gardner), Newport, Oregon, and Kirsten Havner Dirks, Overland Park, Kansas. He leaves four special grandchildren Charlotte and Caroline Gardner, Newport, Oregon, and William and Eli Dirks, Overland Park, Kansas.
A private family service to scatter his ashes was held on the coast of Oregon.
Ken was always proud to call Hays, Kansas, his home. Ken, I was supposed to spend the rest of my life with you,And then I realized … You spent the rest of YOUR LIFE with me.
I smile because I know YOU LOVED ME till the day you went away And will KEEP LOVING ME… Till the day we are together again. Anon. Love, Sylvia
