Kenneth Ballard King, 89, died Aug. 31, 2015, at AMG Specialty Hospital in Wichita. He was born Sept. 2, 1925, at Maryville, Mo., the son of Eugene James and Margaret Grace (Allen) King. He graduated from Conception High School, Conception, Mo., and attended the University of Kansas and Purdue University. He enlisted in the United States Navy at the age of 17, serving during World War II and was later recalled to serve during the Korean Conflict. Between his two tours of service, he worked as an electrical engineer for Black and Veatch. Mr. King married Norma Mae Spacil on Jan. 12, 1957, at Ellinwood. In 1956 he started his career as an electrical engineer with Western Power Gas & Light. He stayed with the same company throughout his life and through many company name changes, including Western Power, Central Telephone & Utilities, until he retired from Centel in 1986. Following his retirement he was employed by Farmers Bank and Trust until the time of his death.
Mr. King was a member of Prince of Peace Parish at St. Patrick Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus Council #862, 4th Degree Knights of Columbus, American Legion Argonne Post 180, Veterans of Foreign Wars Morris-McFadden Post #3111, Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie #646, and B.P.O. Elks Lodge #1127. He was also active in Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts, serving as committee member, Webelo Leader and Cub Master of Pack 120, was a committee member of Troop 161, was Scout Master and committee member of Troop 157, and served as a commissioner on the Cheyenne District, the Kanza Council, and Quivira Council of the Boy Scouts. He received the Cub Scout Training Award, Scout Master Training Award, District Award of Merit, and Silver Beaver Award. Additionally, he was Three Key Member of the Cheyenne District and Kanza Council, and served as Training Chairman and on the executive board of the Cheyenne District, Kanza Council and the Quivira Council.
Survivors include his wife, Norma Mae King of the home; three sons, James King and his wife Diane of Pittsburg, Martin King and his wife Julie of Shawnee, and Jason King and his companion Kendra Beakey of Hoisington; two daughters, Karen Smith of Hoisington, and Lori Anne Jacobs and husband Paul of Great Bend; one sister, Kathleen Grace Patrzykont of Mission; 11 grandchildren, Alyssa Cook and her husband Matt, Nichole King, Jayme King, Dustin Rhodes, Andrew Jacobs, Alexander Jacobs, Austin Jacobs, Adam Jacobs, Haley King, Spencer King and Hayden King; six great-grandchildren, Cameron Cook, Donovan Cook, Tripp Walker, Gaige Gunderson, Zoey King and Kason King; and special friends Ken and Lisa Edgett of Great Bend, and Cameron Bomstad of Las Vegas, Nev. He was preceded in death by his parents; and one brother, Emmett Joseph King.
Vigil Service with Knights of Columbus Rosary will be held at 7 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 7, at Bryant Funeral Home. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 8, at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Great Bend with Father Ted Stoecklein celebrating. The United States Navy Honor Guard and American Legion Riders will provide military rites. Private family burial will be at a later date. Friends may call from 2 to 9 p.m. on Monday at Bryant Funeral Home. Memorials are requested to Boy Scout Troop 149 or Dominican Sisters of Peace, in care of Bryant Funeral Home. Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.bryantfh.net
                  
Funeral arrangements provided by  
Bryant Funeral Home**     
1425 Patton Road   
Great Bend, KS.  67530
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, Sept. 4, 2015