Kenneth R. Armstrong, 75, of Junction City, passed away on Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2014, at the Salina Regional Health Center in Salina.
Kenneth was born April 7, 1939, in Newton, the son of Kenneth Frank and Esther Viola (Brainard) Armstrong. Kenneth graduated from Newton High School in the class of 1957. He later graduated from Friends University in 1996 with his B.A. in human resources. He entered the United States Air Force in 1957 having served his basic training in Lackland, Texas. He later joined the United States Army in 1960 and was honorably discharged in 1963. He joined the United States Army a second time in 1975 and retired in 1991. During his military career, he was stationed at Ft. Hood, Texas, Ft. Richardson, Alaska, Ft. Carson, Colorado, and Ft. Riley. During that time he also served in the military in Stuttgart and Schweinfurt, Germany, and the Pentagon in Washington, D.C.
After his military career, he worked for Wal-Mart Corporation. He worked as a sales associate, department manager, human resource manager and grocery receiving manager. He enjoyed playing cards, poker and dominoes. He enjoyed fishing trips in Alaska, attending bluegrass festivals and attending the activities of his grandchildren. Kenneth was a hard worker and enjoyed taking his naps. He also enjoyed making homemade ice cream. His rule was you had to crank the homemade ice cream by hand if you wanted any. He could make any flavor you asked for. He never forgot Valentines Day, wedding anniversary or the birthday of his wife, Barbara. He would remember her with jewelry and flowers.
He married Barbara June Reinke on Dec. 22, 1960. She survives of the home. Other survivors include one son, Adam R. Armstrong and his wife, Teresa of McPherson. He also is survived by four grandchildren, Caitlin Armstrong of Junction City, Justin Armstrong of McPherson, CJ Millard of Eagle River, Alaska, and Jacob Armstrong of McPherson; and one great-grandson, Landyn Ronsse of Junction City. He also is survived by his two sisters, Mary Watts of Newton, and Joan Ewy of Sunrise Beach, Missouri. He was preceded in death by his parents; one daughter, Kathy Millard; one sister, Joyce Delk; and his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Tommy and Retta June (Helzer) Reinke.
Cremation has taken place. A family visitation will be 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 8, 2015, at the Penwell-Gabel Johnson Funeral Chapel, 203 N. Washington St. in Junction City. A graveside service with full military honors will be 2 p.m. Friday, Jan. 9, 2015, at the Kansas Veterans' Cemetery. Memorial contributions are suggested to be given to the American Lung Association.
1939 - 2014 (75 years)