Kenneth Mankhey

Kenneth E. Mankhey of rural Franklin, Nebraska / Smith County, Kansas, was born November 8, 1927, in rural Franklin County to Stephen Theodore and Anna Luella ("Lou") (Walter) Mankhey. He passed from this life to his heavenly home, Wednesday March 4, 2015, at his home. He was 87.

Kenneth attended District #93 country school, German Township, Smith County, Kansas. He graduated from Franklin (NE) High School in 1945. While in high school Kenneth was a charter member of the FFA, Golden Gloves member, band member, & high honor roll.

After high school Kenneth attended business college in Denver,CO for a short while.

Then in April of 1946 Kenneth joined the Army; a few days later volunteers were needed for airplane mechanics for the B-29's, to which Kenneth said 'yes'. This included transferring to the Air Force, 509th A-bomb division 715 Bomb Squadron.

He has shared of living in Roswell, NM, traveling to Puerto Rico, Philippines, Bahamas, Bermuda, Florida Keys, Oregon, & many other short hops.

After discharge from the Air Force Ken came home to help farm with his dad.

Ken married Norma Jean Paulson of Upland, Nebraska on November 21, 1948. They had two children: Julia Ann and David Charles.

Ken enjoyed hunting, fishing, rock hunting, & prospecting in a 6 state region of the Rockies. He also enjoyed community and family history. He was president & state show chairman of the Hastings Rock & Gem Society.

Kenneth was a trustee of the German Township board for many years, member of American Legion post #0209, and Camp Joy board member. He also enjoyed Pleasant Ridge II (old Marran church) church activities.

Kenneth was also a lifetime (82+ years) fan of "Wheaties" (Breakfast of Champions).

He was preceded in death by his wife, Jean, his parents, an infant sister, and a step-grandson.

Ken leaves to mourn his passing his daughter - Julie and husband Wayne Parsons of Franklin; son - David and wife, Kyle Mankhey of Smith County Kansas; grandchildren - Saundra and Christie Mall of Franklin, NE , Richard Mankhey of Virginia, Benjamin and wife Ashley Mankhey of Bladen, Nebraska , Sara and husband Tim Crabtree of Ipswich, South Dakota , Anna and husband Corey Tallman and David and wife Erika Hill, all of Lincoln, Nebraska , and Daniel Hill of Smith County Kansas ; great-grandchildren - Kinsley & Cierra Stuart and Aleigha Mankhey of Bladen, Nebraska, Michael, Rachael, Joshua, and Jacob Crabtree of Ipswich, South Dakota , Taylor and Hanna Parsons of Pratt, Kansas , Taali and Jiji Hill of Lincoln, Nebraska ; and a host of other relatives and friends.

A celebration of life service for Kenneth E. Manhkey was held Saturday, March 14, 2015, at 10:30 a.m. at First United Methodist Church, Franklin, Nebraska, with Pastor Roger Frederick officiating. Interment will follow in the Greenwood Cemetery, Franklin, Nebraska, with Military honors provided by Nebraska Army National Guard, Franklin V.F.W. Post NO. 5757, and American Legion Post No. 209, Franklin, Nebraska. Visitation will be Friday, March 13, 2015, from 9:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m., with the family receiving friends from 5:30 pm to 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Online condolences may be left at www.hutchinsfh.com. Hutchins Funeral Home, 1402 M. Street, Franklin, Nebraska 689939, was in charge of arrangements. The family suggests memorials to the Camp Joy, in care of the family.