Kenneth Earl Massengale

Kenneth E. Massengale, Sr. was born on Tuesday, February 3, 1931, in Monticello, Kentucky. He was the son of Robert R. and Bonnie W. (Perdue) Massengale. Kenneth moved to Wellington, Kansas at age thirteen and Wellsville in 1947, and has lived in Franklin County until his death on Monday, January 21, 2008, at the age of seventy-six years. In 1965, he became employed as a heavy equipment operator for Holland Corporation of Lenexa, Kansas. In the early 1980's, he worked for Bloomer Well Service as a backhoe operator, returning to Holland Corporation, where he retired in 1994. Following retirement, he worked part-time for Killough Construction. He also did woodworking as a hobby and occupation, as well. Kenneth served in the United States Army from May of 1953 to February of 1955, during the Korean War, attaining the rank of Corporal. He was a member of Ruhamah Baptist Church in Rantoul, Kansas and Local Union #101. Kenneth was one of the happiest people to anyone who knew him. His happiness seemed to infect everyone around him. He loved the outdoors, from riding horses to just gazing at the trees. Sporting events by K.U. always seemed to be an event in Kenneth's house. He was a real mechanic, he fixed more engines over the phone than most people fix in their lifetimes. Most important to Kenneth was his deep affection and love for his family, especially his grandkids. His love of his family was unfailing and never ending. He will be greatly missed. On May 8, 1986, Kenneth was united in marriage with Kay Chambers in Miami, Oklahoma. She survives of their home. He is also survived by four daughters, Charlotte Massengale of Olathe, Robin Wadkins of Rantoul, Kim Correll and her husband Chris of Ottawa, Karla Willcut and her husband Dean of Rantoul; two sons, Ken Massengale Jr. and his wife Julie of Richter, Keith Massengale of Rantoul; brother Randy Massengale and his wife JoAnn of Wellsville; fourteen grandchildren, Justin Wadkins, Darrell Willcut, Caleb Correll, Jason Willcut, Ashley Massengale, Jacob Correll, Bethany Correll, Shelby Knight, Aaron Massengale, Kyle Nutt, Karrenna Willcut, Megan Moore, Austin Massengale, Blake Massengale; four great-grandchildren, Haley Gormley, Brock Wadkins, Dakota Willcut, Sarah Lloyd; and son-in-law, Darrell Wadkins of Ottawa. He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Kathalee Hunley; and brother-in-law, Robert Hunley. SERVICES: Funeral services will be held from the Dengel & Son Mortuary at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, January 25, 2008. IN STATE: Friends may pay their respects to Mr. Massengale at Dengel & Son Mortuary after 1:00 p.m. Thursday to the service hour, where the family will receive friends 5 to 7:00 Thursday evening. CEMETERY: Ruhamah Cemetery, Rantoul, Kansas. MEMORIALS: The family suggests memorials to Midland Hospice, c/o Dengel & Son Mortuary, 235 S. Hickory, Ottawa, Kansas 66067.